Tensions rise after the brutal assault over a minor altercation
Team Clarion
MUZAFFARNAGAR — A 21-year-old Muslim truck driver was brutally beaten to death in Shamli district on Monday afternoon following a minor altercation over right of way. The incident has caused widespread tension in the area, with locals and the victim’s family demanding immediate justice.
Munir, a resident of village Bunta, was returning from Muzaffarnagar with two colleagues after unloading straw. As he and his colleagues passed through Charthaul town, they were confronted by another tractor driver from the neighbouring village of Nangla Rai. What started as a disagreement over who should give way quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.
According to eyewitnesses, after the initial argument, the driver from Nangla Rai parked his tractor and, along with his companions, pursued Munir for several kilometres on two motorcycles. The chase continued until they reached a bridge over the Hindon River on Thana Bhawan Road. There, the attackers forcibly removed Munir from his tractor and struck him repeatedly on the head with an iron rod.
A passer-by, who witnessed the attack, immediately called the police and Munir’s family. “He was bleeding severely, and it was clear he was in critical condition,” said one of the witnesses, who wished to remain anonymous. Munir was rushed to Thana Bhawan Hospital but was later referred to a higher medical facility in Pilkhani, Saharanpur. He was declared dead upon arrival.
The news of Munir’s death has led to outrage in the community, with family members and friends expressing their grief and anger. “Munir was a hardworking young man who never harmed anyone. This brutal attack is unacceptable,” said his cousin, Ahmed. “We want justice, and we want it now. The people who did this should not be allowed to roam free,” he added, visibly shaken by the loss.
Another relative, Zainab, said, “We are in shock. He was just a young boy, and now he’s gone. How can people be so cruel over something as trivial as a dispute about giving way on the road?”
Hundreds of people gathered at Charthawal police station after the news of Munir’s death spread, demanding immediate arrest of the attackers. “We will not rest until justice is served. The police must take action right away,” said a local, Farhan.
In response to the growing anger, local authorities assured the protesters that swift action would be taken. Police have reviewed CCTV footage from Nangla Rai to the scene of the attack and have identified one of the suspects. A search for the remaining assailants is underway.
