Hundreds of people gathered outside a police station, demanding justice for the victims.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – Four youths reportedly assaulted the imam of a mosque in Damu city in the Madhya Pradesh district of Chhindwara earlier this week. The imam, Hafiz Rizwan Khan, was attacked as he intervened during an altercation between the four accused and a tailor named Ansar Khan over a delay in stitching clothes.
According to journalist Ashraf Hussain’s account on social media, the assailants, identified as Lilu Sharma, Vicky Sharma, Raju Thakur, and an unnamed individual, not only attacked Ansar Khan but also misbehaved with the imam.
The assailants reportedly went further, damaging Khan’s bike.
A video of the assault has since gone viral, prompting a strong response from the administration. The police scolded and chased away a person in the crowd who used objectionable language during the arrest of one of the youths. Subsequently, FIRs have been registered against more than 40 individuals from the Muslim community under serious provisions.
The chief minister’s office has issued a tweet stating that miscreants attempted to disrupt law and order in Damu, but prompt action by the police prevented any escalation. The government emphasised that maintaining peace in Madhya Pradesh is a top priority.
Journalist Kashif Kakvi’s report sheds light on the serious charges faced by the four youths, including Sections 294, 323, 506, 427, and 34 of the IPC. Despite the FIRs, the demand for their arrest persisted, leading to heightened tensions. A young man even confronted the assailants, urging the police to take strict action.
As the situation unfolded, hundreds of people gathered outside a police station, demanding justice for the imam and the assaulted tailor. To maintain law and order, the police patrolled the city throughout the night. Presently, one of the four assailants has been arrested, while concerns about potential misuse of the incident continue to grow.
The government has assured strict action against those responsible for the assault, stressing its commitment to maintaining peace and order in Madhya Pradesh. The incident highlights the need for a thorough investigation and adherence to the principles of justice to ensure the safety and harmony of all communities in the region.
