Muslim girls assaulted, forced to remove hijab in UP
Lucknow: A harrowing incident has come to light in Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, where two Muslim girls were assaulted and forced to remove their hijabs by a Hindutva gang. The attack occurred on December 11, when the girls were returning home after visiting their relatives in Deoband.
According to Kashmir Media Service, an unidentified person on a motorcycle asked the girls for directions, and while they were helping him, some locals gathered around, misbehaved, and used abusive language. The assailants also forcibly removed the girls’ hijabs and recorded the entire incident, sharing the video on social media.
The Superintendent of Police (Rural) Sagar Jain confirmed that a complaint was filed on December 13.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with community leaders and activists condemning the attack as a blatant act of intolerance and an assault on religious freedom. “Such incidents not only violate the personal rights of individuals but also threaten the communal harmony of our society,” said a prominent social activist.
The victims’ family has demanded swift justice and stricter measures to ensure the safety of minority groups. Human rights organisations and advocacy groups have also called for stronger enforcement of laws protecting marginalised communities and fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.