By Sana Kauser
On Monday, March 3rd, a group of Muslim men leaving a mosque after Taraweeh prayers in Vatva, Ahmedabad, were allegedly attacked with stones and forced at knifepoint to chant “Jai Shri Ram,” eyewitnesses said. The attackers allegedly targeted those wearing skull caps, a common identifier of Muslim men.
As worshippers exited the mosque, stones rained down from rooftops, causing panic. Some assailants reportedly brandished knives and threatened children, forcing them to chant Hindutva slogans. At least three people were injured, including a 17-year-old boy who was struck in the back by a stone while returning home from work.
Threatened with Knives
The attackers allegedly shouted slogans calling for violence against those wearing traditional Muslim attire like kurta-pyjama and skull caps. The sudden assault left the community shaken, with many now fearing for their safety during the late evening Tarawih prayers.
When victims tried to file complaints, they alleged that police refused to name any suspects, instead listed them as “unknown persons.” A local resident called for increased police surveillance until Eid to ensure the safety of worshippers.
“There’s a pattern here. When the culprits are arrested, they are booked under Section 189 of BNS and released within half an hour. No one is ever truly held accountable,” a witness told The Observer Post.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com. Read the full story here.