Gurugram Haryana, 1 August, 2023: Haryana Police verified that a mob of around 200 individuals attacked a mosque in Gurgaon early on Tuesday and set it on fire while killing the naib imam (mosque-cleric).
It was Anjuman Mosque, located in Sector 57 of Gurugram, Haryana. According to DCP (East) Nitish Aggarwal, “The mob also opened fired during the attack, killing the mosque Imam and injuring two others. . We’ve identified some of the accused. Action will be taken soon” said DCP Aggarwal.
The attackers also used swords, and batons, and burnt the entire mosque. “The Naib imam along with two other injured men were transported to the W Pratiksha Hospital. The imam was stabbed,” according to the DCP. While other reports suggest he was shot including two others.
Moreover, according to a report, eyewitnesses on the scene have named Praveen Hindustani and Amit Hindu as prime suspects behind this disturbing attack.
Maulana Saad was the Naib Imam, or deputy Imam, of the mosque who has been identified as the deceased. He was a Bihar native. He was claimed to be in his late teens or early twenties, according to Muslims who visit the mosque. He was acting as the mosque’s Imam because the main Imam had left for Bakrid in his home country and hadn’t yet returned.
Nabi Imam- photo via instagram/ @Unapologeticallymuslim
Initially one person was killed and another was hurt when a group of men stormed the Anjuman mosque in sector 57 near PS Sec 56 GGM this morning at around 12:10 am, according to police commissioner Kala Ramachandran. The fire was extinguished by firemen. The police have identified the attackers, and after conducting raids all night, several of them have been apprehended.
The area around houses of worship has increased in security. Meetings with significant figures from both communities are being held by the police and administration to maintain peace. Internet services have been suspended in the areas of Sohna, Pataudi, and Manesar
The violence in Nuh during a procession by the VHP and Bajrang Dal killed three people, including two home guards, and they occurred hours before the bloodshed there. According to Anil Vij, the Haryana Home Minister, a curfew was enforced in the district on Tuesday. Even though no new incidents of violence were reported, the situation in Nuh remained tense. Nuh and nearby areas have increased security, according to news source PTI.
In response to the escalating situation, the authorities have heightened security around places of worship, including mosques and temples. Additionally, meetings are being held with significant community figures to promote dialogue and find ways to de-escalate tensions.
To control the spread of misinformation and curb any further unrest, the authorities have temporarily suspended internet services in certain areas, including Sohna, Pataudi, and Manesar.
