A Muslim man was allegedly attacked by a group in northern Bengaluru for reportedly refusing to chant “Jai Shri Ram.” The incident happened on June 22, when the victim, Waseem who works as a mechanic, and his friend Zameer were on their way to meet their friend. A First Information Report (FIR), was lodged. They were reportedly attacked by the mob between 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm in Sampigehalli neighbourhood in northern Bengaluru when they stopped near a grove close to Chokkanahalli area to relieve themselves. At that point, five to six unknown individuals reportedly confronted them.
Victim’s Version
35-year-old autorickshaw driver, Waseem and Zameer said that the assailants allegedly hurled abuse at them using foul language and physically attacked them. Zameer managed to escape, but Waseem was reportedly beaten with sticks. In pain, Waseem shouted “Allah!” which prompted the attackers to allegedly threaten him and demand that he chant “Jai Shri Ram” instead. They then reached the police station and filed a formal complaint.
After registering the complaint, police sent Waseem for a medical examination. However, Waseem refused to sign the documents because he wanted the actual reason for the assault to be clearly mentioned in the FIR. He claimed that when the issue was brought to the attention of senior police officers, they too decided not to include the real motive behind the attack.
A case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 – including Sections 126(2), 115(2), 118(1), 299, 352, 351(2), read with 3(5) – which deal with wrongful restraint, voluntarily causing hurt, causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons, malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace, criminal intimidation, threatening another person with bodily harm and force them to do something they are not legally obligated to do, and criminal intent.
