The video of the incident which went viral on September 7 showed the youths hurling abuses, forcefully removing their skull caps, and dragging them inside the temple premises
NEW DELHI – Muslims in the national capital have increasingly been facing violence and intimidation from Hindutva groups. In recent incidents, cow vigilantes and right-wing mobs have attacked Muslim men, women, and children, often with impunity. These attacks are frequently filmed and shared on social media, showcasing the brutality and disregard for human rights.
In the recent past, Delhi, which has always been synonymous with a beautiful display of secular coexistence of people of different faiths, has witnessed several hate crimes against Muslims.
In a shocking incident which occurred on August 22, a group of Umrah pilgrims, clearly identified by their beards and caps, were assaulted as they headed to their hometown in Uttar Pradesh Saharanpur in a minibus after landing at Delhi airport. On the way, the Muslim pilgrims got down in the Jamuna Bazar area for rest and some snacks. Their appearance, in close proximity to a temple in the area, riled some youths allegedly linked to a Hindutva outfit,
The video of the incident which went viral on September 7 showed the youths hurling abuses, forcefully removing their skull caps, and dragging them inside the temple premises, compelling them to bow their heads.
In the video, one of the assaulters, identified as Siddharth Sharma, is seen claiming that some of the passengers had urinated on the roadside triggering the confrontation. He can also be heard threatening the bus driver, saying: “This is our temple. I bow my head here, and now I’ll make them do the same.” The footage further shows the group chanting “Jai Shri Ram” while forcing Muslim travelers into the temple.
According to media reports, police have confirmed receiving a complaint from the Muslim pilgrims.
