In a startling series of incidents, Hindus residing across three states of Bharat have become targets of life-threatening assaults, verbal abuse, and violence owing to their support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. These states include West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Among these instances, the most egregious attack unfolded in Karnataka, where Hindus were brutally stabbed by an Islamic mob merely for expressing allegiance to the BJP. Meanwhile, in West Bengal, Hindu individuals faced threats and harassment, while in Uttar Pradesh, matters took a particularly alarming turn when a fatwa was issued from a Mosque, calling for a boycott of Hindus supporting the BJP. Additionally, in another district within Uttar Pradesh, Hindus were targeted in a violent assault, exacerbating the already tense situation.
The incidents underscore a concerning trend of religiously motivated violence and intolerance, posing a grave threat to the principles of democracy and secularism in the country.
Stabbed by Muslim mob in Karnataka
On June 9, a horrifying incident shook the village of Boliyaru in Karnataka’s Mangaluru as two BJP workers fell victim to a brutal stabbing by a group of 20-30 unidentified individuals of the Muslim community. The attack was sparked by the celebration of Prime Minister Modi’s third consecutive victory, triggering the ire of the assailants who vehemently opposed the BJP’s presence and influence. The victims, identified as Harish Anchan, 41, and Nandakumar, 24, were targeted during the evening festivities following the oath-taking ceremony.
According to the FIR obtained by Organiser, BJP supporters in Mudipu village and neighbouring Boliyaru were jubilantly celebrating the NDA’s electoral triumph and the victory of Capt Brijesh Chowta in the Lok Sabha elections. Their expressions of joy and support for the BJP, including rallying on the streets and chanting slogans, inadvertently provoked the local Muslim community. Matters escalated when the celebratory procession passed by a local mosque in Boliyaru, where the slogans further antagonised the Muslims, leading to a confrontation.
Approximately 20-30 individuals from the Muslim community intercepted the BJP workers near Samadhan Resto-Bar, engaging them in heated arguments over their allegiance to the BJP and the celebration of PM Modi’s victory. Despite attempts by local residents to defuse the situation, the confrontation turned violent, with the accused individuals viciously assaulting and stabbing Harish and Nandakumar. Another BJP worker, Krishna Kumar, also faced brutal assault during the altercation.
In a display of anger, the assailants stripped the saffron scarves and clothes worn by the BJP workers, symbolising their disdain for the BJP and its supporters. The injured victims were rushed to KS Hegde Hospital in Deralkatte, where one remains in critical condition while others receive medical treatment.
The Mangaluru Police have registered an FIR based on the complaint filed by Krishna Kumar, the assaulted BJP worker, and have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. Efforts are underway to gather evidence, including footage from CCTV cameras in the area, to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The accused have been booked under several sections of the IPC including unlawful restraint (section 341), unlawful assembly (section 143), rioting (sections 147 and 148), intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace (section 504), criminal intimidation (section 506), voluntarily causing hurt (section 323), causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means (section 324), attempt to murder (section 307), and common intention (section 149).
In response to the escalating tensions, security has been heightened in Mudipu and Boliyaru villages to prevent further violence. Members of the BJP, outraged by the attack, have called for stringent punishment for those responsible, condemning the act of violence against their party workers.
Assaulted and boycotted following fatwa in Uttar Pradesh
Jaunpur
The incident unfolded in the Shahganj area of Jaunpur district, sparking uproar and violence following objectionable remarks directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and the BJP. On Friday, June 7, 2024, tensions erupted between the Muslim and Dalit communities, resulting in injuries to about a dozen individuals. The severity of the injuries left approximately six victims in critical condition, necessitating hospitalisation. To quell the escalating tension, security forces were deployed in the affected village.
The police swiftly intervened, registering FIRs against both parties involved in the altercation. So far, six individuals have been apprehended in connection with the incident.
The confrontation continued to escalate on Saturday, June 8, 2024, as Vipin Kannaujia from Bhadi village lodged a formal complaint with the police. According to Vipin’s account, the altercation ensued around 9:15 PM on June 7 when he encountered Shahbaz and Karim from Bhavi Chhidwa village during his post-dinner stroll. The altercation turned physical when Shahbaz and Karim launched a vicious attack on Vipin, wielding iron rods and sticks. The assault left Vipin with a severe head injury, causing him to lose consciousness.
The situation further deteriorated when Aman, a family member of Vipin, raised an alarm upon witnessing the assault. Subsequently, Mobeen, Jameel, Sagir, Farukh, and Afsar, who were lying in wait, joined the fray, attacking other sleeping family members of the victim. During the assault, the perpetrators hurled casteist slurs and derogatory insults at the victims, exacerbating the already volatile situation. Several individuals, including Vinod, Santosh, Pawan, Suraj, Bhola, and Manju Devi, sustained serious injuries in the attack.
Meanwhile, Shahbaz, Mobeen, and Karim brandished swords, issuing threats and intimidation aimed at silencing the victims. They warned, “If you continue to support the BJP, we will kill you and bury you. Modi and Yogi won’t come to save you.” In light of the gravity of the situation, the victim has demanded swift and stringent action from the authorities.
The police have taken significant legal action by registering a First Information Report (FIR) under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (SC/ST Act). The sections invoked include IPC sections 147 (punishment for rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 307 (attempt to murder), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 505(2) (statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred, or ill-will between classes), 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation), and 153-B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration). Additionally, the SC/ST Act has also been invoked.
However, the complexity of the situation is evident as the police have also filed a cross FIR following a written complaint submitted by Shahbaz Khan. The cross FIR alleges that Vipin instigated the altercation by assaulting Shahbaz with a stick, leading to a retaliatory attack by Vipin’s supporters.
Vipin, Santosh, Rajesh, Vinod, Aman, Arvind, and Baburam have been identified and accused of participating in the attack. They have been formally charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sections 147 (punishment for rioting), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation).
Kaushambi
In the Muslim-majority village of Kaushambi, a contentious situation has arisen as the water supply to Hindu households has been abruptly halted. Allegations from the Hindu community suggest that directives were issued from the mosque via fatwa instructing Muslim families not to patronise Hindu-owned shops and refrain from using water from private wells. This directive has instilled a sense of fear among Hindu families, who feel targeted and marginalised by these actions.
The Muslim side, however, refutes these claims, asserting that strict penalties will be imposed on individuals found disobeying such directives. Despite the denial, the atmosphere in the village remains tense, prompting intervention from local authorities to assuage the fears of the villagers. SDM Akash Singh has deployed a circle officer to ensure peace and security in the community, with stringent measures being taken against those engaging in discriminatory behaviour.
Meanwhile, in the village of Jafarpur Mahawa, which comprises an equal number of Muslim and Hindu families, tensions have been simmering for the past 10 days. A dispute arose when a Muslim family attempted to open a door facing the temple, sparking opposition from Hindu families who feared potential pollution during Muslim celebrations near the temple premises. The revenue team intervened to prevent the Muslim family from opening the door, exacerbating the existing tensions.
In response to the escalating conflict, members of the Muslim community convened a meeting at the mosque, where a fatwa was issued. According to the fatwa, Muslim residents were instructed not to engage in any commercial transactions with Hindu-owned shops and were prohibited from providing water to Hindu households from their private wells.
Forced to flee in West Bengal
After the conclusion of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, a distressing pattern has emerged, echoing the turmoil witnessed during the 2021 Vidhan Sabha elections and the 2023 Panchayat polls in the state. Reports published by The Indian Express on Saturday, June 8, confirmed that hundreds of BJP workers have been compelled to flee their villages and homes in the wake of escalating violence and intimidation tactics employed by political adversaries.
One such case highlighted the ordeal of Prasanta Haldar, a BJP worker residing in the Vidyadhar Palli area of Baruipur. Haldar, along with his family, made the agonising decision to leave their home immediately after casting their votes during the 7th phase of the Lok Sabha elections. They sought refuge at a relative’s house, while Haldar himself joined approximately 50 others seeking sanctuary at the BJP office in Baruipur. Recounting his plight, Haldar lamented, “Election season for us means the season of leaving home,” expressing the recurrent trauma faced by him and fellow party workers.
Sharing a similar tale of distress, Mamoni Das, Vice President of the BJP Baruipur, recounted how she was forcibly evicted from her home in Matherdighi village by TMC supporters. Despite relocating to rented accommodations in Sahapara and Kathpol, threats continued to loom over her. Mamoni narrated a harrowing incident where 50 TMC goons besieged her house on the day of the Lok Sabha election results, resulting in injuries to her husband and mother. Fearing for their safety, Mamoni and her family sought refuge at the party office, which has since become their temporary home.
Bikas Roy, another BJP worker, faced similar persecution as TMC assailants confiscated his e-rickshaw and targeted his residence, leaving him with no choice but to seek refuge elsewhere. Reflecting the widespread distress among BJP workers, approximately 100 individuals have taken shelter in a building adjacent to the BJP’s West Bengal headquarters in Kolkata.
The situation has drawn severe criticism from the judiciary, with the Calcutta High Court rebuking the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government over the post-poll violence plaguing West Bengal. During a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) addressing the matter, a 2-Judge Bench comprising Justices Kausik Chanda and Apurba Sinha Ray expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of violence. The court emphasised the paramount importance of ensuring the security of the state’s residents and warned of potential intervention, including the retention of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the state for the next five years if the government fails to curb the violence.
Furthermore, the court issued directives allowing individuals affected by post-poll violence to submit their complaints not only to the nearest police station but also to the Director General and Inspector General of Police in West Bengal via designated email addresses. These complaints are required to be promptly published on the relevant website of the West Bengal Police, ensuring transparency and accountability in addressing the grievances of the affected individuals.
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