Two accused detained; officials say further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigatio
NEW DELHI — Two Muslim youths were assaulted and robbed by a group of men who also forced them to chant “Jai Shri Ram” in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur district.
The incident is reported from the Chanda Kotwali area in Farmapur village. The victims, Aftab Alam and Mohammad Zeeshan, both residents of Pratapgarh district, have alleged that a group of 6 to 7 people stopped them while they were riding motorcycles.
According to the complaint, they were dragged off their motorcycles, made to lie on the ground, and were physically and verbally assaulted. They further said that the accused demanded that they chant “Jai Shri Ram” and questioned their refusal to do so.
As per reports, the complainant also said that the attackers told them that anyone who wants to live in India must chant the slogan. In addition, ₹25,000 in cash and a drilling machine were taken away from them.
The incident gained attention after a video of the assault surfaced on social media and quickly went viral, triggering widespread reactions and calls for strict action against those involved.
In the video, the marauding group could be clearly seen continuously punching, slapping, hitting and mocking the victims, while abusing them and asking them to chant the Hindutva slogan.
The footage drew strong reactions from users, many of whom demanded immediate arrest and strict action against those responsible.
One social media user wrote, “In Sultanpur, Muslim youths are being stopped and beaten, forced to chant religious slogans. The police have taken cognisance and detained two accused, but the question is: how are they so fearless? Don’t they fear any consequences?”
Following the circulation of the video, Sultanpur Police initiated an investigation. Circle Officer Hrithik Kapoor confirmed that police teams have been formed to apprehend all those involved. According to officials, two accused have already been detained, and further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
The FIR names Saksham Pandey, Kamal, Chandan and Suraj Raja as accused, while three others have not yet been identified.
At present, the matter remains under investigation.
While police action has begun, many observers are questioning what emboldens individuals to stop strangers in public, interrogate them over their religious identity, and use violence to enforce compliance with their demands.
