Hindutva figure’s disturbing hate speech video sparks fear among India’s Muslim community
New Delhi: A disturbing video widely circulating on social media has sent waves of fear through India’s Muslim community. The clip, linked to a man identified as Rishabh Ojha, part of a Hindutva network, shows him openly advocating for the abduction, acid torture, and killing of Muslims.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the video, first shared widely on X and later reposted on Instagram and Telegram, shows Ojha speaking in Hindi with chilling calmness, often laughing as he describes acid attacks, forced religious conversion, and murder. Thousands of users have viewed the video, with some expressing approval rather than shock.
In the video, Ojha explains a new method of targeting Muslims, saying, “Earlier we used to shoot them or cut them, there was no fun in that. Now the method has changed.” He describes pouring acid on abducted individuals, causing unbearable pain that forces victims to plead or agree to convert. Most alarming is his claim of an ongoing attack: “One is already in my control. He suffers every day. Soon he will get release,” with “release” referring to death.
The video’s impact has been immediate, with Muslim communities across India expressing heightened fear and vulnerability. A Delhi-based Muslim academic commented, “This is not a rant. This is a confession and a call to action. When someone speaks like this in public and stays free, it sends a message that Muslim lives do not matter.”
The online reaction has been equally unsettling. Ojha has tens of thousands of followers on Instagram and Telegram, with several supporters praising his threats. A Mumbai-based digital rights activist said, “This is how online hate turns into offline violence. The applause gives confidence. Silence gives cover.”
As the video spreads, anxiety among Muslims across India grows. A shopkeeper in Bhopal said, “When someone says on camera that he enjoys killing Muslims and still walks free, how do you expect us to feel safe?”
Civil rights groups have demanded immediate arrests. A statement from a rights collective said, “This video is evidence of criminal intent. Delay in action will make the state responsible for any harm that follows.”
Legal experts are also speaking out. Senior advocate Farah Naqvi emphasized, “The law is very clear. A public call to kidnap, torture and kill a community is a serious crime. The police do not need permission to act.”
Muslim organisations say this video reflects a broader pattern of threats and discrimination, with authorities often slow to respond. A community organiser in Rajasthan said, “Every time we are told not to worry. Then something happens. Then there are speeches and promises. Then silence again.”
