Muslim youth assaulted, forced to chant Hindutva slogans in Uttar Pradesh
Bareilly: A Muslim youth, Shoaib, was assaulted, humiliated, and forced to chant Hindutva slogans in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the incident, which took place on March 28, has sparked outrage and concern.
The victim, who works in Dubai, was stopped by a group of men, identified with the Bajrang Dal, who accused him of “Love Jihad”. The accused, Rishabh Thakur, beat, abused, and coerced Shoaib into raising Hindutva slogans, which were recorded and circulated on social media.
The victim’s family has alleged that Thakur also extorted money from Shoaib, taking Rs 7,000 in cash and Rs 2,000 online.
The incident has raised concerns about the rise of hate crimes and extremism in the region. “This appears to be an organised group that uses religion and caste as a pretext to threaten people, assault them, and extort money,” said SP City Manush Pareek.
The police have registered an FIR under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to assault, criminal intimidation, and extortion. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying and arresting other individuals involved.
