Mumbai: An elderly Muslim man was violently assaulted by Hindutva activists in Maharashtra, a recent attack underscoring an increase in religiously motivated violence in the region. The man, identified as Zamir Umar Sheikh, was targeted while en route to his farm in Akola district. This incident reflects a concerning rise in discrimination and violence against Muslims in India.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the attackers, affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), confronted Sheikh due to his visible Muslim identity—marked by his beard and traditional cap. During the assault, they used hate-filled slogans like “Go to Pakistan or the graveyard.” This rhetoric, along with the physical violence, is part of a larger trend of hostility toward Muslims in the country. The assailants also vandalized Sheikh’s bike, further demonstrating the extent of their aggression.

The police intervened shortly after the incident began, prompting the attackers to flee. Sheikh sustained serious injuries and was subsequently transported to a local government hospital for medical care. The episode is a grim reminder of the deep-seated biases and societal divisions that continue to plague communities across India.