Daijiworld Media Network - Rudrapur
Rudrapur, Feb 25: An elderly Muslim man was allegedly assaulted by a group of individuals and forced to chant religious slogans after he offered namaz on a vacant land near a temple in Rudrapur, police said on Tuesday.
A video of the incident has surfaced on social media, purportedly showing the accused thrashing the man with sticks and verbally abusing him.
The victim, identified as Shahid, a resident of the Resham Bari area, had reportedly offered namaz during the ongoing holy month of Ramzan near the Atriya Temple in the Jagatpura locality. According to police, Shahid had been working in the vicinity for several days and maintained that the spot where he prayed was at a considerable distance from the temple premises.
Following the incident, members of the Muslim community accompanied Shahid to the local police station and lodged a formal complaint. They alleged that one of the accused is a murder convict who is currently out on parole.
Temple manager Arvind Sharma, however, stated that activities associated with any other religion would not be permitted on temple land, even if legal action is initiated against him.
Police personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information and appealed to members of both communities to maintain peace and harmony. Shahid was sent for a medical examination, and officials said further legal action would be taken based on the complaint and findings of the investigation.
Municipal Councillor Parvez Qureshi condemned the incident, calling it unacceptable.
“This matter is extremely serious. Assaulting a person is unacceptable. If there was any objection, the administration should have been informed. We demand an impartial probe and strict action against those responsible to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.
Congress leader Sofia Naz also criticised the episode, describing it as detrimental to social harmony.
“Maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the state government. Violence and forcing someone to chant slogans in the name of religion go against the spirit of the Constitution. The administration must act swiftly and ensure justice for the victim,” she said.
Police said the situation in the area remains under control and urged the public not to spread unverified information on social media.