Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Three Hindu men, who were begging as Sadhus, were held hostage and assaulted by a group of people in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district over the suspicion of being Muslims.
According to police, Sadhus identified as Sunil Kumar, Gaurav Kumar and Gopinath from Jagadhri in Haryana’s Yamunanagar, are members of the Hindu’s Nath community.
These Sadhus were begging in different areas of Meerut. When they reached Prahlad Nagar, they were assaulted and accused of kidnapping children. After the investigation, the police found the allegations against them were baseless and the trio was released later.
The Meerut Police while posting on X said, “The information about hostage taking and beating is false. Police reached the spot and brought the three sadhus to the police station. On enquiry, it was found that all three are residents of Yamunanagar (Haryana) and are sadhus/fakirs who belong to the Nath community and do the work of begging”.
After releasing the Sadhus, the police did not act against the culprits who assaulted them.
Initially the police denied the allegations of Sadhus being attacked. But police have initiated an enquiry into the matter after the videos of the same went viral on social media showing the victims wailing while they were being beaten by a mob.
SP Ayush Vikram Singh said “”In Praladh Nagar, three sadhus from the Hindu community have been apprehended. It was reported that these individuals were roaming disguised as sadhus. When brought to the police station for questioning, it was revealed that they are residents of Yamuna Nagar in Haryana. Local residents of that area confirmed their identity as sadhus. Subsequently, they were released after local residents provided information about them. However, a video has surfaced this morning showing some individuals allegedly assaulting these sadhus. The police have initiated an investigation into the entire incident and have summoned two individuals to the station for questioning. Further actions are ongoing”.
Meanwhile, some people including Sudarshan News and its reporters are indulged in spreading fake news saying that those Sadhus are Muslims disguised as Hindus.
“Public caught 3 people roaming around in Meerut disguised as sadhus. During interrogation, he gave his name as Sohan, but his Aadhar card showed him as “Mohd. Shamim”. “Mohammad Shamim” along with his gang used to do recce of Hindu localities wearing saffron clothes. The public also accused the three of stealing a child,” posted Sudarshan News UP on its X handle.
Even afterthe police clarification, the post is still available on social media.
