Police neutrality questioned after Muslim mob victim turned suspect in UP
New Delhi/Varanasi: Instead of treating Muslim youth Mohammad Rehan, the victim of Hindu mob violence in Uttar Pradesh, police have started casting doubts on his intentions leaving many questioning whether justice are being served or sidestepped in present day India under Narendra Modi.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Mohammad Rehan was reportedly beaten for simply being present at the Dashashwamedh Ghat during the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi on Monday. A viral video shows Rehan being beaten by a group of men. The incident reportedly occurred between 7 and 9 pm, when Rehan had gone near the ghat to deliver goods. According to his statement, he stopped to watch the Ganga Aarti but was soon surrounded by men who asked for his name.
Upon hearing “Muhammad Rehan,” they dragged him inside a temple and thrashed him mercilessly for nearly two hours. The marauding mob also took his phone and wallet.
“My son did nothing wrong,” said Rehan’s father, who has filed a complaint at Dashashwamedh police station. He was targeted only because of his name. He was going about his daily work. Why is he being blamed now?”
But instead of pursuing the attackers, the police have now put Rehan under suspicion. However, this has raised serious concerns among civil society members and rights activists about police’s neutrality. Many believe the case is being given a communal twist to shield the attackers and further alienate Muslims.
““This is nothing but an attempt to paint the victim as a criminal because he is a Muslim, ” said Shoaib Ahmad, a local activist in Varanasi.
