Bishwaskhani, Godda, March 25: In a distressing incident amidst the Holi festivities, Muhammad Gulzar, a 27-year-old journalist associated with Video Volunteer, was targeted and assaulted while en route to a funeral in Bishwaskhani, Godda district, Jharkhand.
Amidst the vibrant colors and joyous celebrations of Holi, Muhammad Gulzar found himself at the receiving end of a violent assault that marred the occasion. As he navigated the streets of Bishwaskhani on his way to attend a funeral, Gulzar’s journey took a harrowing turn when he was ambushed by a group of 10 to 15 men.
The assailants, their faces smeared with hues of festivity, forcibly restrained Gulzar and subjected him to a degrading ordeal, smearing mud over his face and eyes. Despite his fervent protests and attempts to seek assistance, the perpetrators showed no remorse, leaving Gulzar to grapple with the aftermath of the assault alone.
What adds to the gravity of the situation is the indifference displayed by the authorities and bystanders alike. Despite Gulzar’s attempts to seek help from the Hanwara Police Station, his appeals fell on deaf ears, with the authorities offering little to no assistance in apprehending the perpetrators or ensuring his safety.
The assault, compounded by the assailants’ verbal tirade targeting Gulzar’s religious identity, highlights a distressing reality of intolerance and bigotry that continues to plague our society. Gulzar’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and marginalized communities, who often bear the brunt of such senseless acts of violence.
In the aftermath of the assault, Gulzar’s resilience shines through as he refuses to be cowed by the perpetrators’ cowardly actions. His determination to seek justice and shed light on the incident serves as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.
As the nation grapples with the fallout of this appalling incident, it is imperative that we stand in solidarity with Gulzar and all those who have been victims of such heinous acts. Also these incidents reflect a troubling trend of harassment and violence during the Holi celebrations, leaving many individuals feeling unsafe while going about their daily lives.
