Netizens condemn what they describe as an instance of mob vigilantism and express concern that the assault was because of the victim’s religious identity
NEW DELHI — A Muslim youth was assaulted by a group of men at a park in the iconic Connaught Place in the national capital, accusing him of stalking and harassing a woman.
According to videos circulating on social media on Monday and eyewitness accounts, the incident reportedly took place at Rajiv Chowk. The victim, identified in social media posts as Imran, was surrounded by several men. They accused him of secretly filming and harassing a woman before assaulting him.
Videos of the incident show the man repeatedly insisting that he had done nothing wrong. Despite his pleadings, he was punched, kicked, slapped, and verbally abused by the group.
According to the videos, the attackers checked the man’s mobile phone in an attempt to find evidence supporting their allegations. However, no incriminating material was reportedly found.
The videos also appear to show the women who were allegedly being harassed telling the group that no such incident had taken place. One woman is reportedly heard repeatedly pleading with the attackers, saying, “Brother, let him go.” Several bystanders also urged the group to stop the assault, but the beating continued.
Social media users have identified one of the alleged attackers as Kapil Kumar, though this has not been independently verified by authorities.
According to posts shared online, the victim was later handed over to the police.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage on social media, with many users condemning what they described as an instance of mob vigilantism and expressing concern that the victim may have been targeted because of his religious identity and traditional attire.
One user wrote, “In India, Is Being Muslim Enough to Be Targeted. In Connaught Place, Muslim youth Imran was brutally beaten by Kapil Kumar and his gang in CP Park. They falsely accused him of ‘following a girl’, even as the girl repeatedly screamed.”
While another user criticised the incident as an example of mob vigilantism, writing, “Mob justice should not be allowed. It’s against democratic norms. India is the world’s largest democracy, not a banana republic.”
Several other users also questioned why the assault reportedly continued despite the victim denying any harassment and no incriminating material reportedly being found on the man’s phone. Many called for a fair investigation and accountability for those responsible.
As of now, Delhi Police have not publicly confirmed the sequence of events shown in the viral videos or announced whether any action has been taken against those allegedly involved.
