Lucknow: In a recent incident in Uttar Pradesh, two Muslim men were violently attacked by a mob after being falsely accused of transporting beef. The assault occurred in the Crossing Republic area of Ghaziabad, following a vehicular accident that resulted in their cargo being spilled onto the road.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the victims, identified as Ashraf and Aamir from Delhi, were intercepted by members of a Hindutva extremist group, including Bajrang Dal activists. The group accused them of carrying meat from banned animals without verification, leading to the assault. Despite the victims’ protests, they were bound and beaten, with bystanders also participating in the violence.
A video capturing the brutality went viral on social media, causing public outrage. The police later intervened, and a veterinary examination confirmed the legality of the meat, which originated from a licensed factory. Despite this, both men were charged under the Animal Cruelty Act, and a separate case was filed against the attackers. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the incident, highlighting the tense climate of intolerance facilitated by extremist ideologies in the region.