By Waquar Hasan
NEW DELHI – Around 20 Muslim families in Arala village, Sangli district, Maharashtra, have decided to leave their homes following a series of mob attacks and alleged harassment by Hindutva groups and fellow villagers, triggered by a minor dispute.
Speaking to The Hindustan Gazette, local resident Abid Dange said the community had planned to leave the village on Sunday and march for justice, but the protest was halted after district officials intervened and asked them to submit their demands in writing. Their original plan was to demonstrate in front of the Kolhapur bench of the Bombay High Court.
“We call for support from people. We need strong protection. Tomorrow, an event is being held in our village which could be a conspiracy to cause rioting. Our lives are in danger,” Dange said.
According to him, those behind the attacks are affiliated with the RSS and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). “It has been going on for 2-3 years. They have been coming up with various excuses to target Muslim families,” he added.
Formal complaint details attack, police bias
A formal complaint filed with authorities on May 29, 2026, alleges a coordinated attack on a Muslim family on April 28, 2026, followed by biased police handling and celebratory intimidation by the accused after they obtained bail.
The complaint, submitted by injured complainant Saddham Shaukat Dange to the Kokrud police station, names over 30 accused individuals. It seeks a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, action against police personnel, and the inclusion of stringent BNS sections, including 109 (attempt to murder) and 103(2) (murder).
An FIR was registered on May 29 under BNS sections 118(2), 118(1), 115(2), 351(2), 324(4), 189(2), 191(2), 191(3), and 190. The accused include Kedar Pargawakar, Rohit Petkar, Okar Patil, Prathamesh Patil, Sahil Bandu Patil, Karan, Suresh Ghodwil, Onkar Jhatav, Vishal Bhashte, Prateek Bhadugale, Pradeep Gurav, Sumit Patil, Rishikesh Bhonsle, Ajay Ashok, and Avinash Ashok.
This story was originally published in thehindustangazette.com. Read the full storyhere.