Thane, Maharashtra, In a disturbing incident in Maharashtra’s Thane district, a Muslim auto driver was beaten and compelled to chant “Jai Sri Ram” by a group of men. The assault, which took place at an auto rickshaw stand in Mumra, has raised concerns over communal tensions in the area.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the driver, identified as Mohammad Sajid Mohammad Yasin Khan, reported the assault at the Daighar police station, prompting an immediate investigation by the local authorities. Khan recounted waiting for passengers when he was approached by five individuals who began to insult and physically attack him without any provocation. The assault escalated as Khan was pushed onto the street and forced to chant religious slogans before the attackers fled, also stealing Rs 2,000 from his rickshaw.

Following the incident, Khan sought help from the police, leading to the registration of a case under relevant sections and the initiation of a search operation for the perpetrators. The Daighar police have since arrested one of the accused and are conducting interrogations to locate the remaining individuals involved in the attack.

This incident has ignited a firestorm of condemnation and highlighted the urgent need for measures to protect individuals from communal violence. The forced chanting of religious slogans and the physical assault against Khan not only represent a violation of personal freedom and security but also threaten the fabric of communal harmony in the region.

The authorities’ response and the ongoing investigation into the incident will be closely watched by community leaders and civil society organizations advocating for peace and tolerance in an increasingly polarized environment.