Accused in mob lynching attempt arrested, family and leaders seek strong legal action
NEW DELHI – The truck driver from Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur, who went missing after viral videos showed him being assaulted by three men in Uttarakhand’s Srinagar on August 15, has returned home.
The assault on the driver was caught on video, which quickly went viral on social media, drawing nationwide attention.
The video clearly shows the three assailants beating the truck driver, abusing him verbally, and forcing him to chant Hindutva slogans. As the victim went missing, his family grew distressed and anxious about his safety.
Speaking from his home in Saharanpur after returning safely, the truck driver said, “I went there with my goods and stopped at a shop to have tea. Some people present there misbehaved with me and my companion. Another person managed to rescue me, and I ran away. I am relieved to be alive but want justice for what happened.”
On receiving news of the viral video, the Uttarakhand Police, under the orders of Srinagar SSP Dr GV Sandeep Chakraborty, registered a case (No. 55/2025) under Sections 115(2), 196, 299(A), 351(2), and 352 BNSS at Kotwali Srinagar. A police team was promptly formed, which led to the arrest of the three accused: Mukesh Bhatt of Shyampur (Rishikesh), Manish of Farsu Dungripath (Srinagar), and Naveen Bhandari (Kotdhar).
Despite the arrests, the victim expressed concern that no charges under the mob lynching law or other stringent sections had been applied yet. “The police have arrested the accused, but strict legal action under harsher sections is still needed. We cannot allow such incidents to happen again,” he said.
Saharanpur Dehat MLA Umar Ali Khan also visited the victim and condemned the attack. “This is a grave incident of mob violence against an innocent Muslim truck driver. I urge the Uttarakhand government to ensure strict legal action against those responsible,” the MLA stated.
The victim’s family expressed relief at his safe return but demanded that justice be served to prevent future incidents. “Our son has suffered greatly. We want the law to take its full course against the attackers,” said a family member, visibly emotional.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns over communal tensions and mob violence in parts of India, particularly targeting minority communities. Authorities have assured close monitoring and swift legal proceedings to ensure justice is delivered.
Uttarakhand Police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and further action will be taken against the accused under appropriate sections once the case is reviewed.
