Firozabad – A group of young Muslim women wearing hijabs was harassed by right-wing Hindutva men at a fair in Milikhan Jahanpur village, Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh. The incident, which occurred on February 9, came to light after a disturbing video surfaced on social media, triggering widespread outrage.
The footage shows a man standing behind the Muslim women in black burqas, aggressively chanting “Jai Shri Ram” in an apparent act of intimidation. He made inappropriate gestures while singing, “Palat, tera dyan kidar hai, yai tera hero idar hai” (Where is your focus? Your hero is here). The video also captures a mob surrounding the women, filming them, and making offensive remarks such as “Apply Dabar oil” and “Erase Babur’s name.” One of the men later uploaded the video on social media, openly boasting about the harassment.
During a live stream with Priyanka Tomar, one of the perpetrators described the encounter, making derogatory and racist comments about a woman. His remarks sparked further outrage, highlighting the deep-seated Islamophobia and misogyny behind the attack.
One of the women, Fatima, a college student, turned around and confronted the group. “Wearing a hijab is my right,” she asserted, refusing to be intimidated. Her defiance only provoked further aggression. “You people don’t belong here!” one of them shouted, stepping forward menacingly. At that moment, an elderly shopkeeper intervened, stepping between the women and the mob. “Enough!” he commanded, forcing the harassers to hesitate. Seizing the opportunity, the women quickly left the scene.
By the time the police arrived, the mob had already scattered. The women later filed a complaint, but given the current climate, they fear justice may remain elusive.
The incident has sparked concern over the growing threat to Muslim women in India, particularly in states governed by the BJP. Activists argue that such incidents are part of a broader strategy to intimidate and dehumanize Muslim women, reinforcing a climate of fear.
Jammu and Kashmir-based activist Waqar H. Bhatti condemned the incident, criticizing the Yogi Adityanath-led government for its failure to ensure women’s safety. “Uttar Pradesh has become a breeding ground for hate crimes. The administration’s silence emboldens such acts,” he said.
The Firozabad Police later issued a statement on social media, claiming that the concerned police station had been directed to take action. However, many remain skeptical about whether any meaningful steps will be taken.
With a surge in Hindutva-driven attacks against minorities, this incident raises serious questions about the safety of Muslim women and the state of religious freedom in India. It also underscores the growing dangers of communal polarization, which threatens the secular fabric of the nation.
