In a disturbing incident that has sparked widespread condemnation, the family of a Kargil War veteran residing in Pune was allegedly harassed by right-wing groups and police officers on suspicion of being “illegal immigrants.” After repeated appeals and delays, the Pune Police has now registered an FIR against seven individuals involved in the mob attack.
According to the complaint filed by 1999 Kargil War veteran Hakimuddin Shaikh, around 80 men allegedly linked to right-wing organizations such as the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) stormed into his residence in the Chandan Nagar area on the night of July 26. The mob accused the family of being “Bangladeshi” and “Rohingya,” demanded proof of Indian citizenship, and allegedly hurled abuse at family members, including women and children.
Despite the family showing valid identity documents such as Aadhaar cards, the attackers reportedly dismissed them as fake. Following the incident, the family approached local police to file a complaint, but their request was initially refused.
Shaikh’s nephew, Shamsaad Shaikh, later submitted a formal appeal to the authorities, alleging that even police officers in plain clothes participated in the harassment. He claimed that family members were forcibly taken to the police station and held there until 2 p.m. the next day. The police allegedly collected Aadhaar cards from at least 20 relatives and summoned them again, threatening to declare them “Bangladeshi” if they failed to comply.
Irshad Shaikh, Hakimuddin’s brother and a retired soldier who served 16 years in the Army’s 269 Engineer Regiment, expressed his outrage. “Is this how a family with a history of military service is treated?” he asked, stating that the police initially refused to acknowledge the incident.
Only after intervention by social activists and legal representatives did the family manage to meet with Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar. Following the meeting, an FIR was finally registered on Wednesday under charges of unlawful assembly.
Commissioner Kumar confirmed the investigation is ongoing. “The mob’s actions are being closely examined. Based on new testimonies, additional charges may be filed, or a separate FIR could be registered,” he said.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from civil society and human rights groups, highlighting a growing trend of harassment against Muslim citizens under the guise of checking for “illegal immigrants.” Despite the family’s six-decade-long residence in Pune and documented proof of citizenship, they say they were subjected to public humiliation, threats, and intimidation.
Activists have raised concerns about the police’s delayed response and the broader implications of vigilante-style actions being normalized. The case remains under investigation, with authorities under pressure to take strict action against those involved.
