Lucknow: Amidst the recent uproar over the Muzaffarnagar school incident, another incident involving an assault on a man for expressing his identity went relatively unnoticed. In Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district, a minor victim filed a formal complaint with the police after being attacked for wearing a 'Tilak', a traditional Hindu symbol. The attackers, identified as Qasim and Ejaz, assaulted the victim on August 22. They fled after a complaint was lodged against them. The victim faced derogatory remarks for wearing a Tilak outside the Panchayat office in Dhamava village. When he responded to the insults, the victim was physically assaulted. A Tilak is a symbolic mark applied on the forehead or other body parts and holds spiritual significance.
The victim, a 13-year-old boy, reported that he was verbally and physically attacked by Qasim and Ejaz for wearing a Tilak. The attackers even tried to induce him with money to embrace Islam and visit mosques, but when he declined, they assaulted him, stole money, and damaged his phone. Ramendra Mishra, leader of Mukhya Morcha in the village, filed the complaint. He noted the presence of an unlawful madarsa in the village and warned of protests unless appropriate action was taken against the assailants.
The accused were charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Uttar Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act. Chandra Bhushan More, the officer in charge at Saini police station, confirmed ongoing investigations and the pursuit of the suspects. Gyanesh Kashyap, the victim's brother, recounted the incident and highlighted the minority Hindu presence in the predominantly Muslim colony. He expressed concern for his family's safety.
Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson of the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), was informed about the incident and assured swift action. Kanoongo stated his intention to draft a letter to the Superintendent of Police's office, urging accountability for the wrongdoers.
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