New Delhi: A disturbing case of religious harassment has come to light in Delhi’s Yamuna Bazar area, where a group of Muslims returning from Umrah were allegedly humiliated and assaulted by members of a Hindutva group. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media on September 7, has triggered widespread outrage, reported the Free Press Journal.
According to reports, the victims—recognisable by their beards and skull caps—were traveling in a mini-bus from Delhi to Saharanpur and had halted near a Hanuman temple for food. At this point, local youths, reportedly associated with a Hindu nationalist outfit, confronted them. The assailants allegedly hurled abuses, snatched their caps, and dragged them into the temple premises, where they were forced to bow their heads.
The viral video shows one accused, identified as Siddharth Sharma, appearing intoxicated and claiming that the confrontation began because some passengers had urinated by the roadside. He is also seen threatening the bus driver and declaring: “This is our temple. I bow my head here, and now I’ll make them do the same.” The video further captures chants of “Jai Shri Ram” as the victims were coerced inside the temple.
Speaking to Maktoob, DCP North District Delhi, Raja Banthia, confirmed the incident. “A complaint was given by those who were assaulted yesterday. We have yet to register a case,” he stated. Banthia clarified that, according to the complainants, the incident had actually taken place on August 22, but the video surfaced only recently.
When asked about Siddharth Sharma’s alleged role, Banthia said, “We have taken cognizance of the video. The man will be called for investigation after identification.”
The bus driver also faced verbal abuse despite clarifying that the stop was made solely for the passengers to have food.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns over rising communal tensions and the growing sense of insecurity among Muslims in the capital.
