There are also videos of stones being pelted on Muslim houses and shops getting vandalised
Team Clarion
BHILWARA — Two passerby Muslims bore the brunt of the anger of Hindutva outfits who were protesting on Monday after a severed tail of a cow was found near a temple in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district the previous day.
Videos of the two Muslims have surfaced on social media wherein they are asserting that they were thrashed by the Hindutva mob as they passed by the venue of the protest.
Mohammed Qasim said he was thrashed and his mobile phone set was snatched by the mob as he was going home after buying some household items from Shastri Nagar.
“The police were present there but they did nothing,” said Qasim while showing marks of injury on his face and hand.
Another Muslim named Rehan said his bike was stopped by some people near a temple as he was going to fetch milk. “They asked him his name. On establishing his Muslim identity, the people asked others to join them in beating him.
“They started thrashing me. They were kicking and punching me. I fell off the bike. There were 15-20 people who were thrashing me,” said Rehan.
There are also videos of stones being pelted on Muslim houses and shops getting vandalised. The Hindutva mob could also be seen entering a Muslim locality and hurling stones at the houses.
Talking about the situation, Bhilwara Collector Namit Mehta said: “We got information about an incident where a cow tail was found in front of a religious place and a protest by locals against it. In this connection, talks were held with the local public representatives and saints and the protest ended. They were assured that those behind the incident would be held soon. Police are deployed in sensitive areas. The atmosphere is peaceful.”
Bhilwara SP Rajan Dushyant said that an FIR has been registered about the severed tail of a cow near a temple.
“We got information about a cow tail that was found near a religious place in Bhilwara. The cow was taken to a local veterinary hospital for treatment. FIR was registered and a probe to identify those behind the incident is underway. People who had gathered to protest against the incident were told that the accused would be caught soon. The protestors have been dispersed and the situation is peaceful. Police are deployed in sensitive areas. We are vigilant against anti-social elements. We will not allow anyone to disturb the atmosphere in Bhilwara,” said Dushyant.
He said that eight persons have been taken in for questioning.
The protesters also demanded bulldozer action against the accused who threw a cow’s tail near the temple. During the protest, a showroom and shops were targeted.