A Muslim youngster was brutally thrashed by a mob in Uttar Pradesh’s Pratapgarh for meeting a Hindu friend of his. The incident highlights the increasing mob attacks on Muslims led by Hindutva groups who take law in their hands.
The victim Maqsood Alam, aged 25 lives in Gopalpur village. According to the police, Alam had met the girl earlier when he had gone to withdraw money at Jan Seva Kendra where she works. On Monday they decided to meet in the hotel. The girl’s family, upon learning this, came to the hotel and assaulted Alam. When he tried to escape from the main gate, he was attacked by a large mob.
According to the eyewitnesses, the bystanders didn’t come to his rescue and Alam’s family also couldn’t intervene fearing retribution.
Police rushed the spot after a while and took Alam to a nearby hospital. His condition is said to be critical.
A complaint was later registered. The Hindu girl has accused Alam of raping and blackmailing her. She alleged in her complaint that Alam forced physical relations and recorded the act, later threatened her and demanded ₹10 lakh cash. She said that she already gave him ₹2.5 lakh.
No case was registered against the mob. Activists condemned the attack citing bias. They condemned the police for not filing a case of public assault on Alam.
Several social media accounts on X condemned the incident and said that Alam is falsely accused of rape. They also demanded strict action against those involved in the attack.
Jamat e Islami has also condemned the attack and stated that it is “another example of anti-Muslim hate being normalised in the country.”
Alam’s family demanding justice said that they are hopeful that police will lead an investigation and punish the true culprits.
This story was originally published in muslimmirror.com.