Muslim men brutally beaten by Hindu mob in India

Four Muslim men were brutally assaulted by a mob of Hindu extremists in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday, allegedly for transporting beef.

Eyewitnesses said members of extremist Hindutva groups intercepted the victims' vehicle, forced them out, partially stripped them, and violently beat them. The attackers accused the men, who work in the meat trade, of transporting beef — the slaughter of which is banned in many parts of India. However, the victims’ families stated they were carrying buffalo meat, which is legal.

Videos widely circulated on social media showed the men bloodied and battered, being beaten in front of police officers, while the mob chanted slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” — a Hindu religious chant that has been used by mobs during several high-profile attacks on Muslims.

Police Response

Amrit Jain, a local police official, claimed the police arrived after receiving a tip from residents. “Some villagers intercepted the men, suspecting they were slaughtering animals and distributing meat. Officers rushed to the scene and hospitalized the injured,” he said.

A veterinarian was called to test meat samples, and an investigation is underway. Jain confirmed that a case was filed and that legal action would follow based on findings. The situation in the area is now calm.

Extortion Attempt Reported

According to a complaint filed by the father of one of the victims, the assailants had earlier demanded 50,000 rupees (around $587). When the men refused to pay, they were beaten with sticks and sharp objects. The same group reportedly tried to extort the victims just two weeks ago but were stopped by police.

The police registered a case against 13 identified individuals and 20–25 unknown persons under India's new penal code.

Outrage and Condemnation

Mohammad Farqan, a former mayor of Aligarh, described the assault as “unimaginably brutal” after visiting the victims in the hospital. “The attackers have not been arrested. We warned the authorities—if these incidents don’t stop, we’ll be forced to protest in the streets,” he said.

Farqan added that the victims’ vehicle was set on fire, their phones were stolen, and demanded compensation for their losses. “Police were present during the assault,” he said, calling for justice and communal harmony.

The attack triggered widespread outrage among India’s Muslim community. Indian MP Imran Pratapgarhi condemned the mob, likening the assault to terrorism. “They tried to extort them, failed, then burned their vehicle and beat them savagely,” he posted on X. “Is this the state of law and order in Uttar Pradesh?”

The incident adds to growing concerns over rising mob violence and religious intolerance in parts of India.