In the past week, Maharashtra has witnessed a disturbing surge in attacks targeting activists, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of the people in the state. From assaults on Dalit youths and activists to the molestation of a Hindu woman and the rape of a minor boy in a madrassa, the incidents highlight a worrying pattern of violence and intimidation against those who dare to speak out against injustice.
These attacks, which have been perpetrated by groups of individuals from the Muslim community, have sparked outrage and calls for justice from various quarters. The victims, many of whom belong to marginalised communities, have been subjected to brutal assaults, sexual violence, and threats, leaving them traumatised and fearful for their safety.
Here we have compiled a list of seven such cases:
Dalit activist assaulted
In a disturbing incident at Lohia Nagar, Pune, a Matang Hindu Dalit youth named Adarsh Bharat Hanuvate was reportedly attacked by Islamists on July 3. The assailants attempted to drive out the Dalit community from the area and seize their land. The Pune City Police have been accused of torturing Hindus and covering up the crime in a desperate attempt to protect the attackers. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice from various quarters. The Pune City Police have yet to issue an official statement on the matter, and investigations are ongoing.
3rd #Jihadi attack on #Dalit youth at Lohia Nagar, Pune!
Matang Hindu Dalit youth Adarsh Bharat Hanuvate attacked by Jihadis in a bid to vacate Dalits n usurp their land. @PuneCityPolice torturing Hindus in a desparate bid to cover up crime n to shield Izalmists!
We urge HM… pic.twitter.com/BSDDtfIhpi— Legal Rights Observatory- LRO (@LegalLro) July 3, 2024
Hindus attacked for celebrating India’s victory
In a shocking incident on June 29, a group of 20-25 Muslim youths allegedly attacked four Hindu students in the Shrinagar area of Maharashtra’s Nanded region. The attack occurred after the students celebrated India’s T20 World Cup victory. According to reports, the assailants forcibly entered the rented apartment of the victims and assaulted them with sticks and iron rods. The victims, identified as Vikas Madvi, Raosaheb Narwade, Balaji Pormad, and Kapil Patil, sustained serious injuries as a result of the attack. The entire incident was captured on CCTV footage, which shows the accused individuals storming into the apartment of the victims. The owner of the apartment confirmed the incident and stated that all the accused persons belonged to the Muslim community. The victims subsequently filed a police complaint, and an investigation is currently underway to apprehend the suspects involved in the attack.
India beats South Africa in the T-20 world cup finals to lift the cup after 17 years, whole country celebrated but these youth were attacked by Islamists in Maharashtra, Read:
In Nanded, Vikas, Raosaheb, Balaji, Kapil and others were celebrating India’s victory when over 20 to… pic.twitter.com/ZYFe4fU1MO
— Subhi Vishwakarma (@subhi_karma) July 2, 2024
Shehzad molested and attacked Hindu woman with a mob
On June 27, the Thane Police filed an FIR against Shehzad Sheikh for allegedly molesting a Hindu woman and attempting to silence her. The incident occurred in the Muslim-dominated Hajuri Dargah area of Thane the previous week. The accused reportedly molested a Hindu woman living in the area. When the woman sought refuge in a nearby temple, around 100-150 Muslims entered the temple wearing shoes and threatened her not to file a police complaint. Despite the intimidation, the accused was apprehended by the police following the intervention of the Hindu community. The Sakal Hindu Samaj in Thane organized a large protest, demanding severe punishment for the accused.
Dalit activist assaulted
As per an exclusive story by OpIndia, on June 27, the Pune city police filed an FIR against Eijaz Sheikh, Afridi Sheikh, Sadik Sheikh, and Umesh Bhandari for brutally assaulting a 19-year-old Hindu from the Matang community. The incident took place around 1:10 am on June 26th, during which the accused allegedly threatened and attacked the victim with a sword. The police have charged the accused under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 307 (attempt to murder), 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), 341 (wrongful restraint), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention). Additionally, the accused have been charged under sections 37(1), 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act, as well as sections 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s), 3(2), 3(v), 3(2)(va), and 6 of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Dalit activist assaulted by Islamists
On June 24, the Khadak Police Station in Pune, Maharashtra, registered a case against nine Islamists, including Atul Khan, Salman Sheikh, Sultan Sheikh, Aslam Patel, and Asif Sheikh, along with four others, for a violent attack on a Hindu Dalit activist, Akshay Dhavre. The accused allegedly gathered a group of ruffians who assaulted Dhavre, resulting in a broken thumb and severe injuries. The attack is believed to have been motivated by Dhavre’s alleged association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and his work as a Hindu-Dalit activist, known for speaking out against Islamists in the region.
#DalitLivesMatters
Matang Hindu Dalit youth leader Akshay Dhavare brutally attacked by #Jihadi gang of A Khan, Salman Balli Sheikh, Asmal Patel, Yousuf, Aasif Mendha at Lohiya Nagar for opposing radicals, it’s under @PuneCityPolice @CPPuneCity jurisdiction!
Victim’s fingers… pic.twitter.com/BO0rWC1UTu— Legal Rights Observatory- LRO (@LegalLro) June 24, 2024
Minor raped inside madarsa
On Wednesday, June 26, the Bhiwandi city police in the Thane district of Maharashtra registered a First Information Report (FIR) against a man named Nasirullah for raping an 11-year-old boy within the premises of a madrassa. According to reports, the incident occurred while the victim was studying in the madrassa. Nasirullah allegedly sexually assaulted the minor boy and engaged in “unnatural sex.” The accused has been charged under the Prevention of Child Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the police have initiated a search operation to apprehend Nasirullah.
Dalit activist attacked
On June 27, a serious incident occurred involving the attack on Rohit Thorat, a well-known Dalit activist. Thorat was assaulted by a group of individuals identified as Afridi Sheikh, also known as Budha, Sadiq Sajja, Izaz Sheikh, along with four other accomplices. The attack on Thorat appears to be a targeted act of violence against his activism and efforts to uplift the Dalit community. As a prominent figure in advocating for Dalit rights, Thorat has been vocal about the issues and injustices faced by his community, making him a potential target for those opposed to his work.
As the state grapples with these disturbing incidents, there is an urgent need for swift and decisive action to ensure justice for the victims, protect vulnerable communities, and hold the perpetrators accountable. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by minorities and activists in their fight for equality, dignity, and justice.
