In a deeply troubling anti-Muslim violence, an elderly Muslim man was brutally attacked by a mob of passengers on an express train traveling in New Delhi, India. The violent assault was sparked by the unfounded suspicion that the man was carrying beef. This attack is part of a disturbing pattern of anti-Muslim violence that has become alarmingly common in India.
The Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid, Ahmed Shah Bukhari, voiced his grave concern during his Friday sermon, lamenting that such intense hatred has not been witnessed since the partition of India. The recent attack on an elderly Muslim man has been labelled as anti-Muslim violence, highlighting a disturbing trend of such incidents.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, a young man from West Bengal was previously beaten to death on suspicion of consuming beef. These incidents underscore a growing climate of intolerance and violence, raising serious questions about the safety and rights of minorities in the country. This incident where a Muslim man was attacked on a train is a clear example of rising anti-Muslim violence.
It is important to note that, in response to Anti-muslim violence incidents like these, the hashtag “Indian Muslims” is trending on social media. People are expressing their frustration and anger towards Prime Minister Modi, accusing him of ‘double standards’ in addressing these Anti-muslim violence incidents. Additionally, a video of the elderly man being attacked by the mob is widely circulating on social media, further fuelling public outrage and highlighting the urgent need for a response to this troubling rise in violence.
According to the Government Railway Police (GRP), a distressing incident occurred involving 72-year-old Haji Ashraf Maniyar from Jalgaon district. He was on his way to his daughter’s home in Kalyan when he was brutally attacked by fellow passengers near Augatpuri. The passengers, driven by the unfounded suspicion that he was carrying beef, began to assault him.
This attack took place on August 28, and Haji Ashraf has since filed a complaint with the local police. Following his complaint and that of his family, authorities have identified five to six suspects. Railway DC Manoj Nana Patil has also confirmed that three of these suspects have been apprehended.
After filing the complaint, a video has emerged in which the victim, Ashraf, reassures everyone that he is alive and well. In the video, he says, “My name is Ashraf Ali Syed Hussain. I am from Chalisgaon and am a Haji. I am alive, and I want to thank everyone who is concerned about me.” He further stated, “I urge you all not to take any wrong steps.” Thus, the attack on the elderly Muslim man is being condemned as an act of anti-Muslim violence, reflecting growing intolerance in the region.
