AGRA — A disturbing video claiming the killing of two Muslim men in Agra has surfaced on social media, allegedly released by members of the so-called ‘Kshatriya Gau Raksha Dal’. The video not only claims responsibility for the murders but threatens to kill 2,600 more Muslims in retaliation for the attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed at least 28 innocent lives. This chilling claim has triggered widespread fear within the Muslim community, highlighting the growing menace of right-wing vigilantism and communal hatred across India.
In the video, two men brandishing weapons appear alongside the voice of one claiming to be a Gau Raksha Dal member. They openly boast of killing two Muslims in Agra and vow to take revenge for the attack in Kashmir, chanting the slogan ‘Jai Shri Ram’ at the video’s conclusion. Such overt threats of violence are deeply troubling, especially given the rising communal tensions that followed the tragic incident in Pahalgam.
आगरा (यूपी) में 3 लोगों ने गुलफाम से पहले नाम पूंछा फिर उसकी गोली मारकर हत्या कर दी। गोली लगते ही गुलफाम सड़क पर लहूलुहान होकर गिर पड़ा। उसका साथी उसे बचाने दौड़ा तो हमलावरों ने उस पर भी फायरिंग कर दी।
— Madan Mohan Soni – (आगरा वासी) (@madanjournalist) April 24, 2025
मर्डर की जिम्मेदारी आगरा में गौ रक्षक बताने वाले ने वीडियो वायरल करके ली है। pic.twitter.com/sl4ZIdPQ23
Madan Mohan Soni, who shared the video on social media, claimed that three men first questioned a Muslim man named Gulfam before shooting him dead in the streets of Agra. He added, “When Gulfam’s companion tried to help him, the attackers shot at him too.” However, this version has been contested by local authorities.
The Agra Police have responded promptly to the viral video and the alleged murder. In an official statement, the police clarified, “No organisation named Kshatriya Gau Raksha Dal is known to operate in Agra.” The police confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at the Tajganj police station concerning the murder, but the deceased’s companions have not reported any such claims or threats to the family or police. The police urged citizens not to spread false information on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Further details from the police revealed that the incident involved unknown assailants opening fire at a young Muslim man working at a non-vegetarian shop in the Basai Chowki area. The man died on the spot, while another young man at the shop was injured but survived. Locals who heard the gunshots rushed to the scene and alerted the authorities. Police teams have been deployed to track down the perpetrators, and a post-mortem examination has been completed.
Speaking to this correspondent, Inspector Rajesh Kumar of the Tajganj police station stated, “We are conducting a thorough investigation and will arrest the accused soon. Our priority is to maintain peace and prevent communal tensions from escalating.”
The rise of hate speech and threats against Muslims in India, particularly after the Pahalgam attack, is a grave concern. Various reports have emerged from states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, showing disturbing instances of Muslims being beaten and harassed. Videos circulating online reveal that Kashmiri students and Muslim workers have been targeted, spreading fear among minority communities.
“This is an alarming trend that needs to be addressed urgently,” said Dr. Asma Siddiqui, a human rights activist based in Delhi. “Incidents like this video encourage violence and deepen divisions. It’s essential for the authorities to act swiftly and send a clear message that hate crimes will not be tolerated.”
Many Muslim residents of Agra expressed anxiety and distress over the incident and the threats made in the video. Gulshan Khan, a local shopkeeper, said, “We live here peacefully and want to work without fear. This video has made many of us worried for our safety.”
The political climate in India has witnessed increased polarisation in recent years, often fuelled by rhetoric from right-wing groups and some political leaders. After the Pahalgam attack, inflammatory comments by a BJP leader calling for the killing of Muslims and Kashmiris set a dangerous precedent. Such statements have emboldened fringe groups to carry out or claim responsibility for acts of violence.
“It is unacceptable that elected leaders or their supporters incite hatred that endangers communities,” said Professor Arif Mahmood, a scholar of communal relations. “The state’s duty is to protect all citizens equally, especially minorities who face the brunt of such violence.”
Despite these challenges, the Agra Police’s prompt action in registering FIRs and investigating the shooting reflects the commitment of some officials to uphold the rule of law. However, critics warn that the spread of fake or exaggerated claims on social media can inflame tensions and distract from genuine efforts to ensure justice.
In recent weeks, social media has been flooded with misinformation about attacks on Muslims, including fabricated stories and doctored videos. The police have repeatedly urged the public to verify information before sharing, cautioning that fake news can lead to unrest and communal riots.
The recent incident is a stark reminder of the need for communal harmony and the protection of minority rights in India. Muslim citizens contribute significantly to the country’s social, economic, and cultural fabric. It is crucial that their safety and dignity are respected and safeguarded.
“We call on all communities to reject hatred and work towards peace,” said Dr Zainab Qureshi, a community leader in Agra. “Violence and threats only harm everyone and go against the values of our nation.”
