Instances of assault on minorities have spiked in the last few years.
In yet another case, a Muslim cleric was reportedly thrashed by a group of 10-12 boys and forced to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ in Baghpat district of UP.
According to ANI, the cleric, Imlakur Rahman was blocked on his way back home on 13th July and attacked by the group.
Speaking to media, he said:
“A group of around 10-12 men stood in front of my bike and one of them punched me. After that, my cap and beard were pulled and they asked me to say Jai Shri Ram. They even threatened to kill me.”
Reports also suggest that he was saved from beating after some locals intervened in the matter.
Police claimed that this wasn’t a case of religious assault. Talking to ANI, DSP Anuj Kumar Chaudhary said:
“During the probe, it was found that when Rahman first went with his complaint to Budhana Police Station, he didn’t mention anything about religious chants being raised and said he was thrashed for a different reason. Prima facie, it doesn’t seem to be a case of religious context but that of assault.”
An FIR has been registered in the matter, but no arrests have been made in the case, so far.