The police shifted the narrative, declaring Rehan suspicious and prompting questions about communal bias, victim-blaming, and increasing insecurity among Muslims
NEW DELHI/VARANASI – What started as a horrifying case of mob violence has now taken a troubling turn. On Monday evening, a Muslim youth named Mohammad Rehan was reportedly beaten for simply being present at the Dashashwamedh Ghat during the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi. But instead of treating him as a victim, the police have cast doubts on his intentions, leaving many questioning whether justice is being served or sidestepped.
A viral video shows Rehan being beaten by a group of men. The incident reportedly occurred between 7 and 9 pm, when Rehan had gone near the ghat to deliver goods. According to his earlier statement, he stopped to watch the Ganga Aarti but was soon surrounded by men who asked for his name. Upon hearing “Muhammad Rehan,” they allegedly dragged him inside a temple and thrashed him mercilessly for nearly two hours. The marauding mob also took his phone and wallet.
“My son did nothing wrong,” said Rehan’s father, who has filed a complaint at Dashashwamedh police station. “He was targeted only because of his name. He was going about his daily work. Why is he being blamed now?”
But instead of pursuing the attackers, the police have now put Rehan under suspicion. In a press briefing, DCP Kashi Zone stated that during interrogation, Rehan “confessed” that his hand had accidentally touched a woman in the crowd, prompting the beating. “Prima facie it appears to be a case of inappropriate touch,” said the officer. “Rehan’s story has changed multiple times. His role seems doubtful.”
However, this sudden shift in the narrative has raised serious concerns among civil society members and rights activists. Many believe the case is being given a communal twist to shield the attackers and further alienate Muslims.
“If this were truly about harassment, why didn’t the girl lodge a complaint? Why was he beaten for two hours inside a temple, and why were his belongings taken?” asked Shoaib Ahmad, a local activist in Varanasi. “This is nothing but an attempt to paint the victim as a criminal because he is a Muslim.”
Rehan’s case has struck a raw nerve in the Muslim community, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where Muslims have repeatedly raised concerns over targeted violence and selective justice. Critics argue that instead of going after the mob, the police are working hard to criminalise the victim.
“Imagine being beaten in public, robbed, and then labelled a suspect,” said Najma Parveen, a retired school teacher in Varanasi. “Would this have happened if the boy’s name were Rahul instead of Rehan?”
According to eyewitnesses, Rehan has often visited the ghat before without any incident. “We’ve seen him around many times. He never created any trouble,” said a local vendor, requesting anonymity. “This time, some men just started shouting and dragged him away. It looked like they had planned it.”
Despite no complaint from the woman allegedly harassed, the police are now involving the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and scanning Rehan’s mobile phone, raising even more eyebrows.
“Why is the ATS being brought into a case of a boy being beaten?” questioned social worker Saba Khan. “This kind of overreaction is meant to intimidate the entire community.”
This case is being seen by many as part of a larger pattern in India where Muslims who face violence are often blamed instead of being protected.
“From cow lynchings to mosque demolitions to now even beatings during religious events—Muslims are being treated like second-class citizens,” said Maulana Niyaz, an imam from Lucknow. “It’s heartbreaking. People are scared to even step into public spaces.”
Several Muslim groups have demanded an impartial probe and strict action against those involved in the assault. They argue that if a crime was committed, proper legal procedure should follow, not mob justice.
“Even if there was an incident of accidental touch, the law must take its course. Beating someone for two hours is not justice; it is barbarism,” said Advocate Abdul Wahid of the All India Muslim Legal Forum.
What worries many legal experts is the apparent bias in police procedure. While Rehan is being interrogated for a suspected “bad touch” without any official complaint from a woman, those seen beating him on camera have not yet been arrested.
“The video shows the crime clearly—he was being beaten. That alone is enough for the police to arrest the attackers. Why haven’t they?” asked retired IPS officer Shafiqur Rahman. “The shifting narrative only helps the attackers.”
In another twist, local police sources said that Rehan lives around 10 kilometres from the ghat, and that this too is being seen as suspicious.
“He lives with his grandmother. It’s not illegal to visit a ghat or watch aarti. Hindus go to Jama Masjid too. Are they beaten for being there?” asked Mohd Asif, a student leader in Banaras Hindu University. “This double standard must end.”
While the incident has generated widespread outrage on social media, political leaders have largely remained silent. No major BJP or opposition leader has spoken out against the assault.
“This silence is dangerous,” said Asad Rahmani, a local journalist. “It shows how normalised such violence has become. The message is clear: If you’re Muslim and harmed, don’t expect justice.”
Some fear this incident could add to the growing communal divide in India, particularly in religiously sensitive regions like Varanasi.
“Instead of protecting the rights of citizens, the system is busy blaming victims,” said activist Kavita Krishnan. “This will only deepen mistrust.”
Several civil rights organisations have now written to the National Human Rights Commission and the Minority Commission demanding a fair and transparent investigation. They insist that justice must not be clouded by religion.
“The beating of Rehan is a test for our police and judiciary,” said Arif Mahmood of Citizens for Justice. “If the attackers go unpunished and the victim is demonised, it will send a dangerous message to every minority youth in this country.”
As the investigation continues, Rehan’s family remains frightened and disillusioned. “My son was beaten, humiliated, and now branded suspicious,” his father said. “Where do we go for justice?”
