Uttar Pradesh once again came into news for mob assault and violence on Muslim issue.
On the 24th of August, another incident of mob violence on a 20 year old Muslim man, was reported. Identified as Mohammed Sahil, the youth was dragged out of a bus and was beaten by a group of people, suspecting him to be a thief.
Getting into the details, on the 24th of August, a passenger found his mobile phone to be missing and started questioning co passengers. When Md. Sahil was questioned, he fumbled, based on which the others suspected him to be a thief and started beating him.
People dragged him out by holding his hair, stomped on his neck and tied his legs to make him confess. Many bystanders recorded the incident, which later went viral on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. He was assaulted for nearly 30 minutes until the police arrived.
The Bareilly Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rohit Singh Sajwan rushed to the spot and filed a first information report (FIR) against the mob.
Mr. Rohit Singh Sajwan said, “We have taken suo motu cognizance and filed a complaint under sections 147 (rioting), 149 (offence committed by any member of an unlawful assembly, 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 342 (wrongful confinement) of the IPC (Indian Penal Code) against unidentified persons. Those who assaulted Sahil will be identified through videos and photographs.”
On the other hand, Sahil was also taken into police custody after medical treatment, as he was found involved in the crime. According to the Kotwali Station House Officer (SHO) Mr. Pankaj Pant, a person named Sabir was the culprit, who is also a friend of Sahil. It is also reported that both the missing wallet and the phone were recovered from Sabir. Mr. Pankaj Pant said, “We found a mobile from a person called Sabir, his friend. He has also been arrested.”
The investigation against the mob who thrashes Sahil and Sabir, who stole a mobile phone is underway.
This is not the first time, Uttar Pradesh reported such mob violence cases, especially communal violence. Every other day, cases of communal assault, mob violence and mob lynching is common in Uttar Pradesh, which has a majority of Hindus.
