Simla, Muhammad Umar Qureshi, a Muslim vendor, was beaten and robbed by a Hindutva mob in Himachal Pradesh’s Bangana town. The attackers, allegedly affiliated with the Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), forced him to chant “Jai Shri Ram.”
According to Kashmir Media Service, Qureshi, who hails from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, was working as a street vendor when he was assaulted. In a video that went viral on social media, Qureshi recounted his ordeal, stating that members of the Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena, and BJP beat him and stole his money. Despite showing his Aadhar card and permission letter, he was still attacked.
Qureshi described being taken to a closed shop and beaten by a group of 10-15 people, who also stole his clothes and other items meant for sale. He alleged that the attack intensified after the mob discovered he was Muslim. When Qureshi attempted to file a complaint at the police station, the police allegedly refused to accept it.
“They said that the police and the government of the state were in their pocket. Now, their government has been formed in the Centre and they will not allow Muslims to live,” Qureshi stated. He also claimed he was forced to chant “Jai Shri Ram” and was beaten until his hand was fractured and ribs were broken.