Family members of the victim claim three men beat Mohammad Asif with sticks and belts near a dargah in Betul's Amla area
BHOPAL – A Muslim youth was severely beaten in Betul district’s Amla town on the night of 21 April, reportedly for refusing to chant the Hindu slogan ‘Jai Shri Ram’ at the demand of three men. The incident has triggered anger among local Muslims, with the victim’s family alleging a deliberate attempt to target him for his religious identity.
The victim, Mohammad Asif, lives in Ward No. 5 Ram Mandir Chaal, Amla. Speaking to the media, Asif narrated the traumatic incident.
“I had gone around 11 pm to recite Fateha at Gulab Shah Baba’s dargah on Rateda Road. Three boys were already there. They asked if I wanted to smoke ganja with them. I said no. Then they told me to say ‘Jai Shri Ram’. I raised my hand and chanted it to avoid trouble,” he said.
But instead of backing off, the situation escalated. “They got angry, started abusing my mother and sister, then dragged me behind the dargah and beat me badly. They hit me with belts and sticks. My face, head, hands, legs, and back – everything was injured and bleeding. I didn’t expect this kind of cruelty,” Asif added, holding back tears.
His father, Iqbal, said the family immediately took him to the hospital and later filed a police complaint.
“We want justice. My son did nothing wrong. Just because he’s a Muslim and didn’t chant in the manner they wanted, they beat him like an animal. This is not the first time such incidents have happened. Muslims are being targeted like this again and again,” said Iqbal.
The local police have registered a case against three unnamed persons. A senior officer at Amla Police Station confirmed that charges have been filed under sections 296, 115(2), 351(3), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which relate to hurting religious sentiments, criminal intimidation, and unlawful assembly, among others.
However, no arrests have been made yet.
When asked whether the attack was communal in nature, the officer said, “We are investigating all angles, including the communal aspect. Strict action will be taken against those responsible.”
Activists and residents are demanding immediate arrest and a fair investigation. “This is a hate crime, not just a fight. Asking someone to chant a religious slogan and beating them when they don’t – this is not acceptable in any civilised society,” said Imran Sheikh, a social worker in Betul.
“This is not just a case of assault. It is part of a pattern. Muslims across the country are being pressured to prove their loyalty by chanting slogans associated with a particular religion,” he added.
Local Muslim groups have warned that if action is not taken swiftly, they will protest. “If the police don’t arrest the attackers soon, we will hit the streets. We will not let this matter die down silently,” said Nadeem Khan, president of a local mosque committee.
The incident comes at a time when reports of increasing communal intolerance are surfacing from different parts of the country. Rights groups have long warned that such attacks are becoming common, especially in BJP-ruled states where Hindutva groups operate with impunity.
Political leaders in the area have so far remained silent, with neither the local MLA nor MP issuing any statements.
As Asif recovers from his injuries, his family says they are living in fear. “Who knows what will happen next? We don’t feel safe anymore. What was my son’s fault? Just because he was Muslim?” asked his mother, visibly shaken.
The family has appealed to the district administration and human rights bodies for protection and justice.
