A wedding procession in the Loni area of Ghaziabad district turned violent on Sunday, February 2, when a group of Muslim youths attacked the gathering, pelting stones and snatching jewellery from women present at the event. The accused, identified as Abdul, Tahir, Hasnain, Junaid, Sajid, Usman, and his brother Ehsan, have since been arrested by the police.
The violence broke out during the wedding procession (Baraat) of Harsh, son of Mahavir, whose family hails from the Dalit Hindu community. The groom’s procession had arrived from Kanchan Park Colony to Prashant Vihar Colony, where the bride’s family, including her father Nahar Singh, resided.
According to eyewitness accounts, as the groom’s family members and guests danced to DJ music, a group of Muslim youths forcibly entered the procession and began misbehaving with women. When some of the Baraatis objected, the situation escalated as a larger group of individuals gathered and started hurling stones at the procession. The attackers reportedly also snatched jewellery, including Mangalsutras, and looted cash from the wedding attendees.
Rajni, a member of the victim’s family and an eyewitness, recounted the terrifying ordeal. She stated that the assailants entered the procession carrying stones and, without provocation, began attacking the gathering. As women ran for cover, the attackers allegedly snatched her Mangalsutra as well as that of her sister-in-law.
Rajni also mentioned that the family attempted to seek immediate police assistance by dialling 100, but help arrived after a significant delay. She further alleged that as the Baraatis tried to retreat, the attackers regrouped and returned armed with sticks, prolonging the violence for nearly 30 minutes.
At least four people sustained injuries during the attack and were admitted to a local hospital for treatment. Following the violence, the victim’s family lodged a formal complaint with the police.
ACP Loni Suryabali Maurya confirmed that a case was registered based on the complaint and that all seven accused were arrested at the scene. The police have launched an investigation into the allegations of robbery and assault, stating that further action will be taken if the charges are substantiated.
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from local political leaders. BJP MLA Nandkishor Gujjar visited the victim’s family on Monday and condemned the attack. Speaking to the media, he asserted that the miscreants had assaulted and looted the wedding party and urged the police to take stringent action against the accused. Gujjar also stated that he had spoken to law enforcement officials to ensure justice for the victims.
