Sultanpur: On October 10th, Uttar Pradesh witnessed a grievous incident of anti-Muslim violence during the Durga Puja idol immersion ceremony in Ibrahimpur village of Baldai region in Sultanpur.
This time, the attack was more of an ad hominem assault on Muslims. The reason though remained unknown, but the pattern of violence was common – Hindutva ‘devotees’ marched through the streets, dancing in unison to DJs blasting loud music while carrying their idols, flags, and the naked swords.
Starting from the Para Bazar town the idol immersion procession made two rounds of the area without any untoward incident. It was during the third round (around 6pm) that the conflict arose, according to local residents.
The procession stopped outside a mosque at the exact time when the call to the maghrib prayer was about to start, making the situation incendiary.
आग़ाज़ pic.twitter.com/nC2FY4C5dc
— Siraj Ahmad (@outlander313) October 12, 2022
Some members from the mosque then came out and demanded the procession to lower the sound but the crowd refused. An altercation ensued as a result of this, and led to a confrontation. Within a matter of minutes, the agitated mobs took over the area making the atmosphere hostile and injuring many individuals.
Muntazir, 53, lost one eye while Lalan, 55, was hit on the head with a sword by Hindutva mob.
Hindus tried defiling a nearby Mosque, as per visulas assessed by Meezanmedia. The incident reportedly involved stone-pelting from both sides including looting & arsoning.
speakers. But the crowd refused. This sparked stone pelting and clashes.
— Meer Faisal (@meerfaisal01) October 12, 2022
According to eyewitnesses from the Muslim community. The Hindu crowd brandishing swords and sticks baged inside, vandalised the mosque and set it to the fire . pic.twitter.com/WzGVNdoYxg
In a video, a police officer is seen telling a Hindu crowd, “Those who have caused mischief, I’ll pick each of them, beat them and bulldoze their houses.” He assured the crowd that everything would work in their favor. And while he spoke, the audience could be seen applauding.
“Chun chun ke maaruga, mitti mei mila dunga and unke ghar bulldozer chalaunga.” Addressing the Hindu crowd, a police officer said. pic.twitter.com/htd1pw1SjZ
— Meer Faisal (@meerfaisal01) October 12, 2022
If locals are to be believed, a police official raided and looted a Muslim house at 1 a.m. on the same night. The wife of Mohammad Sageer showed us the wrecked remnants of his house, making it appear as if someone had violently ransacked everything in their pathway.
A house of Mohd Sagir was also allegedly looted by police at night. pic.twitter.com/jSo5ng9scw
— Meer Faisal (@meerfaisal01) October 12, 2022
While a police investigation into the matter is underway, entry to anyone from outside is forbidden, learnt the Meezan.
