Victims forced to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogan
Team Clarion
VARANASI — Two Muslim brothers were assaulted with sharp weapons and sticks and forced to chant the Hindu slogan of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ by a group of about a dozen persons collecting donations for the Holi festival in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district.
The victims have been identified as Niyaz Ahmed and Khurshid Ahmed from Dindayalpur village in the district.
According to Niyaz Ahmed, a group of local people had come to his home to collect donations for the Holi festival. He was not at home as he had gone to offer Taraweeh (special night prayers in Ramadan) in a nearby mosque.
When he came back home after the prayers, he was attacked by the group from behind after some argument. The group members allegedly hurled abuses and religious slurs at him. The attack left him with severe injuries to his head. As he fell to the ground nearly unconscious his shoulder and back also got hurt.
In the viral video wherein Niyaz recounts his ordeal, he is seen with a bandage on his head while his shoulder and shirt are stained with blood.
“I know those who attacked me very well. I don’t have any animosity with them. I don’t even talk to anyone in the area. I’m always engrossed in my work. Even my neighbours know that I don’t talk to anyone in the area unnecessarily,” Niyaz added.
He said that there were 12-15 people who attacked and abused him. As the attack continued, his two brothers intervened and tried to stop the assaulters and in the ensuing melee one of them, Khurshid Ahmed, also was beaten up. Khurshid also suffered multiple injuries to his head and shoulder.
Khurshid said he was also forced to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and when he resisted, he was thrashed mercilessly with sticks.
“We were asked to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’. When we refused, they hit us with sticks. They were also seeking donations for Holi.
Initially, there were a dozen people in the group of assaulters but later several others joined in the attack.
The video also shows Khurshid with his head bandaged and blood marks on his shoulder.
The video has been circulating on various social media platforms tagging the Varanasi police and district magistrate demanding action against the culprits.
Reacting to the social media posts, DCP Varuna Zone said that an FIR was registered at Sarnath Police Station and further action is being taken in the matter.
“A case has been registered under relevant sections at Sarnath Police Station and further legal action is being taken,” said the DCP.
Criticising the Yogi Adityanath government in the state, a social media user Nishant Pant said “@myogiadityanath supports Sambhal CO @wrestleranuj for saying that Muslims should not venture outside their homes during Holi. But forgets to tell them that they aren’t even safe inside because peaceful Sanatani beggars can come there too”.
