A Muslim youth, Akmal Hussain, who earns his living by selling utensils door-to-door, was allegedly assaulted in Katihar district, Bihar, after being falsely labeled a Bangladeshi. The attack reportedly occurred in the Pothiya police station area.
Hussain was following his usual routine when the incident unfolded. “I was selling utensils. A woman said she would buy my items and asked me to come. When I reached outside her house, a man came, abused me, and called me a Bangladeshi. He asked me to show my Aadhaar card,” Hussain told reporters.
Attack Escalates
While searching for his phone, Hussain said, attackers suddenly assaulted him. “More people gathered, and one of them started claiming I had come from Bangladesh to rape women. They beat me very badly,” he added.
The assailants allegedly robbed Hussain of Rs. 12,000 in cash before fleeing the scene. Hussain sustained injuries all over his body.
Police Response
Hussain submitted a written complaint at the Pothiya police station and also approached the Kodha Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), naming two individuals in his complaint.
The SDPO confirmed that the matter is under investigation and appropriate legal action will be taken. “An FIR has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and arrests will be made soon,” the officer said.
Community Reaction
The incident drew concern from local leaders. Mohammad Sagir, National President of the Shershahwadi Vikas Manch, condemned the attack, citing a rise in assaults on members of the Shershahwadi community.
“I am a poor man. I earn a living for my family by selling utensils. After this incident, how will I go out and work?” Hussain asked, reflecting the fear and insecurity the attack has caused.
