The victim Razaul Islam Mandal allege that Police officials at Haripal police station refused to register his complaint and remained indifferent
SEALDAH — A Muslim student from Aliah University was brutally attacked by a group of Hindutva men on a train in West Bengal due to his appearance. The assailants accused him of being a “Bangladeshi” and attempted to remove his beard. The incident, which occurred on a train traveling from Gede station to Sealdah, has sparked serious concerns about religious intolerance and passenger safety on public transport.
Razaul Islam Mandal, a 27-year-old final-year M.Tech student from Moshira village in Hooghly district, was returning with four friends after attending an international gathering in Bangladesh. According to Mandal, the trouble started when a fellow passenger asked him to move his trolley bag from the luggage rack. Although he complied without hesitation, a group of about 10 to 12 men soon surrounded him and forcibly tried to remove him from his seat.
“They hurled communal slurs at me, calling me a ‘Bangladeshi’. I repeatedly told them I was an Indian citizen, but they refused to listen,” Mandal recounted.
The assailants mercilessly punched and kicked him, pulled his beard and removed his hat. The assault continued for nearly an hour, with some of the attackers even threatening to throw him off the moving train.
When Sajid Mirza, one of Mandal’s companions, tried to record the attack on his phone, he too was threatened. “They warned me that if I filmed them, I would face the same fate,” Mirza said.
Several other passengers witnessed the assault but reportedly did not intervene, fearing repercussions.
Following the attack, Mandal sought medical treatment and attempted to file a complaint at Haripal police station. However, he alleged that the police refused to register his complaint.
“The officers were indifferent. They did not take my complaint seriously and showed no interest in investigating the matter,” Mandal said.
This alleged police apathy has added to the outrage, with activists and citizens demanding accountability.
The attack has sparked condemnation from various quarters. Social activists and student groups have called for strict action against those responsible and for stronger measures to ensure the safety of minorities.
“This is not just an isolated incident; it reflects a dangerous trend where people are targeted simply for their religious identity,” said a spokesperson for a civil rights group.
The incident has reignited concerns over communal tensions and the increasing number of hate crimes in India. Rights organisations have urged authorities to ensure swift justice and take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
Mandal, who is still recovering from the trauma, hopes for justice. “I just want those responsible to be held accountable so that no one else has to go through this,” he said.
Despite repeated attempts, police officials have not responded to inquiries regarding their alleged refusal to file a complaint.