New Delhi/Varanasi: Instead of treating Mohammad Rehan, a Muslim youth who was the victim of Hindu mob violence in Uttar Pradesh, police have cast doubts on his intentions, raising questions about justice in present-day India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to reports from Kashmir Media Service, Rehan was allegedly beaten for being present at the Dashashwamedh Ghat during the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi on Monday. A video that has gone viral shows him being assaulted by a group of men. The incident reportedly took place between 7 and 9 p.m., when Rehan was near the ghat to deliver goods. He stopped to watch the Ganga Aarti and was soon surrounded by men who asked for his name.

Upon revealing his name as “Muhammad Rehan,” he was dragged inside a temple and beaten for nearly two hours. The attackers also took his phone and wallet.

Rehan’s father has filed a complaint at the Dashashwamedh police station, stating, “My son did nothing wrong. He was targeted only because of his name. He was going about his daily work. Why is he being blamed now?” Despite this, the police have reportedly shifted their focus to Rehan’s intentions, rather than pursuing the attackers.

This shift has raised concerns among civil society members and rights activists about police neutrality. The case is perceived by many as being given a communal twist to shield the attackers and marginalize Muslims further.

“This is nothing but an attempt to paint the victim as a criminal because he is a Muslim,” said Shoaib Ahmad, a local activist in Varanasi.