Muslims in UP Attacked by Hindu Group Under False Infiltrator Claims

A group of people living near a railway station were assaulted, and their shanties were destroyed by members of a Hindu right-wing outfit, who claimed they were Bangladeshi infiltrators, police reported on Saturday. Bhupendra Chowdhary, president of the Hindu Raksha Dal, and Badal alias Hariom Singh were arrested in connection with the incident.

Ghaziabad Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra clarified that those attacked are from Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, not Bangladesh. "Those living in the shanties are from Shahjahanpur Uttar Pradesh, not Bangladesh," he stated. The police are considering invoking the National Security Act (NSA) against the attackers.

Attack Near Railway Station

The incident occurred near Guldhar railway station around 7:30 pm on Friday when Chowdhary and 20 supporters accused residents of being illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and vandalised their shelters. Some residents sustained injuries during the attack.

Sub-Inspector Sanjiv Kumar, who was on duty in Sanjay Nagar Sector-23, filed the First Information Report (FIR) at Madhuban Bapudham police station. In his complaint, Kumar mentioned that upon hearing commotion, he and his team arrived at the scene to find Pinky and his supporters abusing and assaulting some Muslims while shouting anti-Bangladeshi slogans.

Police Investigation

ACP Kavinagar Abhishek Srivastava stated that an investigation revealed the victims were not Bangladeshi nationals. "On receiving information about the incident, an investigation was conducted which revealed that the victims were not Bangladeshi nationals," Srivastava said.

The FIR has been lodged against Chowdhary and 20 unidentified individuals under relevant provisions of the law. Legal action will be taken against those involved, and the culprits will be apprehended soon, according to ACP Srivastava.

Chowdhary is named in the FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 191 (rioting), 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 117 (causing grievous hurt), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), 324 (mischief), and 354 (act caused by inducing a person to believe they will be rendered an object of divine displeasure).

Sub-Inspector Kumar alleged in his complaint that despite explaining to Chowdhary's group that the residents were not from Bangladesh, they continued beating them and damaging their shelters. "I tried to explain to them that these people are not from Bangladesh, but they continued beating them and damaging their shelters," Kumar alleged.

Officials confirmed that those attacked are not Bangladeshis. An FIR has been lodged against Chowdhary, also known as Pinky, and 20 others for rioting, hurting religious feelings, and other offences.

The police are contemplating invoking the National Security Act (NSA) against the attackers in this case. The incident has raised concerns about communal tensions in the area.

The police have assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible for this act of violence. The situation is being closely monitored to prevent any further escalation.

The authorities have urged residents to maintain peace and harmony while ensuring that justice is served for those affected by this incident.