Notes signed ‘Kattar Sanatani Vikram’ warn residents of Bhonkheda to leave within 24 hours or face death by burning, disrupting daily life in a village long known for communal peace
SIKANDRABAD — A quiet morning in Bhonkheda village turned into fear and silence after handwritten leaflets appeared outside Muslim homes, warning families to leave within 24 hours or face death by burning. The notes, written in Hindi, named Muslims directly and carried abusive language. Images of the leaflets circulated online on 2 January 2026, drawing wider attention to a threat that residents say continues to hang over their lives.
The message was blunt and alarming. “All fanatics should vacate the village within 24 hours, otherwise you will be burnt alive,” the note read. The name ‘Kattar Sanatani Vikram’ was written at the bottom, with slogans such as ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’ in the corners. For Muslim families who have lived in Bhonkheda for generations, the leaflet felt like an attack on their right to live in their own village.
On 1 January, Sajid Ali woke before dawn for Fajr prayers. After praying, he stepped outside to buy some grocery. A folded piece of paper lay near his door.
“I could not believe my eyes,” Sajid said. “At first, I thought someone was joking. Then I read it again. It was a clear threat to kill us.”
Within minutes, other Muslim residents found similar notes outside their homes. Small groups formed, voices dropped, and fear spread quickly.
“Our normal morning turned into fear,” Sajid said. “Most of us stayed inside that day. We kept thinking something bad could happen at any time.”
Bhonkheda is a small village in the Sikandrabad area with around 15 Muslim families, many related to one another. Hindus form the majority population. Residents from both communities say they have lived together peacefully for more than six generations.
“There has never been a riot here,” said an elderly Muslim resident. “We attend each other’s weddings and funerals. Our children grew up together. That is why this threat shocked us.”
Several Hindu residents also said the leaflets disturbed them. One Hindu elder said, “This is not our village culture. Whoever did this wants to spread fear.” A local shopkeeper added, “If Muslims leave, the village will lose its soul. This paper does not speak for us.”
The impact of the leaflets has gone far beyond words. Days after the threat, fear continues to shape daily life. Many residents avoid stepping out unless necessary. Children are closely watched, and nights feel longer.
Hajra, 65, who works as a mid-day meal cook at a government primary school, said fear follows her even to work. “I still go to school,” she said. “But I return home as soon as work ends. My heart keeps beating fast.” She then asked quietly, “If these threats turn real, who will save us?”
Shamshida, another resident, spoke about the children. “The note mentioned 24 hours,” she said. “But fear does not end in one day. Our children go to school and college. We cannot send them alone now.”
Mohammad Akhlaq, who travels outside the village daily for work, said the worry never leaves him. “If I stop working, my family will suffer,” he said. “When I am away, I keep thinking about what might happen at home.”
Despite the fear, Muslim residents say they will not leave Bhonkheda.
“We were born here,” Shamshida said. “We will live here and we will be buried here. We only want safety.”
Sajid echoed the same resolve. “We are ready to fight this through the law,” he said. “But we need trust. We need to know our families are safe.”
After the leaflets were discovered, a complaint was filed at the Sikandrabad police station. A First Information Report (FIR) was registered on 2 January 2026. It states that threatening notes were found outside Muslim homes, warning residents to leave within 24 hours or face death by burning. The case has been registered under Section 353(1)(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, against unknown persons.
A local resident who filed the complaint said, “We wanted quick action. This was not a small issue.”
Advocate Mohammad Hanif, who is assisting the complainants, described the leaflets as a serious criminal offence. “This is a clear case of criminal intimidation,” he said. “It talks about burning people alive and disturbs public peace.”
Hanif said no arrests had been made at the time of speaking. “Police say they are trying to identify those responsible,” he said. He also pointed to the name signed on the leaflet. “There is no person called Vikram in this village. This appears planned and intended to spread fear in a place that remained peaceful for decades.”
The inspector in charge of the Sikandrabad police station said, “This may be the work of some mischievous elements. We are investigating, and patrols have been increased.” On arrests, he added, “We are examining all angles. Action will follow once evidence is clear.”
Residents say police visits have increased, but fear persists. “A patrol vehicle gives some comfort,” said a woman resident. “But fear remains when no one is arrested.”
Women say daily life has become more difficult. A young mother said, “My son asks why he cannot go out to play. I have no answer.” Another woman said, “Every sound at night makes us alert. Doors stay locked even during the day.”
Children have sensed the change. “My daughter asked if we will be burned,” a father said. “How does a parent answer that?”
Teachers at nearby schools said the attendance of Muslim children dropped for several days after images of the leaflets circulated online.
Rights workers say such threats create deep fear even without physical violence. A Delhi-based activist said, “These notes are meant to push Muslims out through fear. Even one piece of paper can change many lives.”
Some Hindu residents continue to speak out in support of their Muslim neighbours. “We have lived together for years,” one said. “Peace here should not be broken by hate.”
For now, Bhonkheda carries on under a cloud. Fields are worked, shops remain open, and children continue to study — but caution shapes every step.
“We still believe in living together,” a senior resident said. “But belief needs protection.”
As the investigation continues, Muslim families wait for justice. “This village has been our home for generations,” Shamshida said. “A piece of paper should not decide our future.”
