New Delhi – A group of distinguished Indian citizens has expressed grave concern over a recent violent assault on four Muslim youths in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the group urged prompt legal action and support for the victims while condemning the growing trend of vigilante violence in the name of cow protection, as per a report by the New Indian Express.
Writing under the banner “Citizens for Fraternity,” the group termed the incident “deeply disturbing” and a threat to communal peace and national harmony. They stressed the need to uphold the rule of law and ensure that such acts are not repeated.
The signatories include former Chief Election Commissioner of India S.Y. Quraishi, former Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and ex-VC of Jamia Millia Islamia Dr. Najeeb Jung, former Deputy Chief of Army Staff and ex-VC of Aligarh Muslim University Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Zameeruddin Shah, industrialist Saeed Mustafa Sherwani, editor of Nai Duniya Shahid Siddiqui, and former Customs Commissioner Dr. Syed Mahmood Akhtar.
The letter was prompted by the incident that took place on May 24, 2025, in Alahdadpur village, Aligarh district. Four men—Nadeem, Aqeel, Arbaz, and Qadeem—were intercepted while transporting meat from a licensed buffalo meat factory. They were allegedly attacked by self-proclaimed “cow protectors,” stripped, and beaten with rods, bricks, and sharp objects. Three of the victims are reportedly in critical condition.
The attackers also vandalized and torched the victims’ vehicle, which belonged to Al-Ammar Frozen Foods Exports Pvt. Ltd., a legally registered buffalo meat exporter. The victims were allegedly extorted for money, and when they refused, they were assaulted mercilessly.
Calling the incident “an act of terror in the name of the cow,” the letter warned that such communal violence undermines national unity and provides opportunities for internal and external adversaries to exploit societal divisions.
The citizens appealed to the Chief Minister to ensure justice through an impartial investigation and proper medical and legal support for the victims. They also called for strict measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
“At a time when India is striving to portray itself as a unified and resilient nation, such violence shatters the public’s trust in justice and governance,” the letter emphasized.
This joint appeal serves as a call to action against hate crimes and a reminder to uphold constitutional values, promote communal harmony, and protect the dignity of every citizen.
