A horrifying video has emerged on social media showing a brutal assault on a man in Araria district, Bihar, sparking widespread outrage and drawing sharp political reactions. The video, which went viral on August 26, 2024, depicts a group of individuals restraining a man, tying his hands, stripping him of his pants, and then forcefully inserting red chili powder into his rectum, all while he desperately pleads for mercy. Despite his cries, the perpetrators continued their barbaric act, ignoring his pleas.
According to reports, the incident took place in the Islamnagar area under the jurisdiction of Araria police station on Sunday, August 26. The 30-year-old victim was apprehended by a group of individuals on suspicion of theft. Witnesses state that he was initially beaten, his hands were tied, and then he was subjected to an inhumane assault involving chili powder. Despite his cries, “Please forgive me, I haven’t done anything wrong,” the attackers showed no remorse. The victim was later forced back into his pants, and the assault was recorded by bystanders.
On August 27, police arrested the main accused, identified as Mohammad Sifat, a resident of Araria.
In the video, some onlookers are heard suggesting that the victim be handed over to the police, but the assailants dismissed the idea. One of the attackers responded, “If we give him to the police, they will let him go.”
The video has prompted strong reactions from political leaders, including RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who shared the footage on his social media, describing it as evidence of “Taliban rule in Bihar.” Yadav tweeted, “BJP/NDA is enjoying power in Bihar, so the casteist media remains silent. We and our party talk about the rights and representation of Dalits, backward classes, and minorities, and that’s why casteists always see our rule as jungle raj.” His remarks drew criticism from opposition parties, who accused him of exploiting the incident for political mileage.
Taking cognisance of the viral video, the police registered an FIR at the Islamnagar police station under Sections 109 and 117 (4) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). The police confirmed, “We have arrested the main accused, Mohammad Sifat, and efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the others involved in this heinous crime.”
युवक के साथ अमानवीय कृत्य के वायरल वीडियो मामले में आरोपी गिरफ्तार@bihar_police @HaiTaiyaarHum @IPRDBihar @BiharHomeDept @ArariaPolice @Forbesganj01 @Araria @SimanchalNews @SAM_Seemanchal pic.twitter.com/hNpUtHEfZS
— Araria police (@ArariaP) August 27, 2024
BJP worker Hari Majhi, reacting to the arrest, criticised Tejashwi Yadav, stating, “Now that the accused’s name has surfaced, RJD and Congress will conveniently remain silent. They are quick to play the caste and minority card but disappear when the facts don’t suit their narrative.”
The victim, a resident of the Simraha police station area of Araria, reportedly has a history of theft accusations, including attempts to steal a bike. The police confirmed that he was briefly detained at the station for about half an hour, but he was released as no formal complaint was filed. Despite his past, the victim’s ordeal has raised serious questions about vigilante justice and the treatment of suspects.
Leftist YouTuber Abhisar Sharma, who previously made headlines in connection with the NewsClick case and its alleged China ties, has attempted to frame the incident within a casteist narrative. In a video on his channel, Sharma stated, “A blatant casteist attack has been made on a person. Chili powder is being smeared on his genitals, and a video of this is being made. It is shocking. The perpetrator doesn’t seem to have any shame or fear that their shameful act is being broadcast to the world. I want to ask you, should we not have a debate on this? Why not? And where do you bring such criteria from?”
Sharma, despite knowing the facts of the case and the identity of the perpetrator, has continued to push a narrative that ignores the communal and vigilante aspects of the crime.
Abhisar Sharma and his associated channels, including NewsClick, are known for their left-leaning propaganda. Critics often accuse Sharma of deliberately distorting facts to suit his ideological stance, a practice he has carried on from his time as a journalist with NDTV.
The disturbing incident in Araria has once again highlighted the dark underbelly of mob justice and the dangers of politicising crime.
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