’26 incidents of hate in January’: Here is the detailed list of attacks against Indian muslims

Since the BJP-led government took power in 2014, hate crimes against Muslims in India have seen a sharp rise.

According to Muslim Mirror, around 85% of the perpetrators have been linked to the BJP or its affiliated Hindu organizations. In several cases, law enforcement agencies have either remained unresponsive or acted against the victims.

Muslim Mirror has been documenting hate crimes against India’s 200 million Muslims. Their goal is to systematically record details such as the date, location, motive, victim, perpetrator, and legal action taken. This database will serve as a resource for journalists, academics, and human rights activists to track incidents, analyze trends, and push for accountability, contributing to a more just and inclusive society.

January 1, 2025

On January 1, a cattle trader, Amir Qureshi, and his driver were brutally attacked by members of the BJP’s youth wing in Ghatkesar, Telangana. The assault was led by Pavan Reddy, the district president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM). Qureshi was transporting six buffaloes when the group accused him of illegal cow slaughter and assaulted him. The mob dragged Qureshi and his driver from their vehicle and beat them severely. Police arrived at the scene and took the injured victims to Osmania General Hospital. The attack sparked outrage, with AIMIM demanding strict action against the perpetrators. The Ghatkesar police have registered a case and launched an investigation.

January 2, 2025

In Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, three Muslim women were stripped and paraded naked in their village, Nebua Naurangia, on January 2. The attack was linked to accusations that a Muslim youth from their family had eloped with a married Dalit woman. Enraged by her disappearance, the woman’s relatives stormed the home of the youth’s family, assaulting his mother and two aunts. The women were beaten, stripped, dragged through the village, and their clothes set on fire. One of the victims described the ordeal, calling it an act of extreme brutality. Despite the gravity of the incident, the local police initially dismissed the allegations, claiming there was no evidence of the women’s mistreatment.

January 3, 2025 | Agra, Uttar Pradesh

The Mughal-era structure, once home to key figures like Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb, was demolished despite a protection notice from the state archaeological department. Local builders and officials were accused of negligence and collusion. The demolition sparked outrage among residents and historians, raising concerns about the destruction of historical sites.

January 4, 2025 | Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh

After serving a four-year prison term for alleged forced religious conversions, Maulana Alam was welcomed by supporters in Ghazipur with Islamic slogans. This led to communal tensions, prompting protests from the Hindu community. The police intervened and re-arrested Alam and 19 others, citing the potential for unrest.

January 5, 2025 | Purnia, Bihar

A fake bomb threat was posted on social media ahead of the 2025 Kumbh Mela, warning of a blast that could kill 1,000 devotees. The post was traced to Ayush Kumar Jaiswal, a 17-year-old student who created a fake account out of personal conflict with a classmate. The incident raised concerns about the trend of impersonating Muslims for malicious purposes. Jaiswal was arrested, and an FIR was filed against him.

January 8, 2025 | Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh

RTI activist Pandit Keshav Dev Gautam filed a petition claiming that Jama Masjid was built on the site of demolished Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples. He sought to declare the mosque’s management committee illegal and requested government takeover of the site. The case was scheduled for hearing on February 15, following the Supreme Court’s directive against suits challenging mosque sites.

 8 January 2025

Uttarakhand Police uncovered 190 illegal madrasas operating across the state. The government had directed the police and Minority Welfare Department to identify such institutions, revealing significant numbers in Dehradun, Udham Singh Nagar, and Haldwani. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched efforts to address these illegal establishments. Opposition voices, including Congress spokesperson Garima Mehra Dasoni, criticized the move as politically motivated ahead of local elections

January 9, 2024

Anwar, an auto driver, was assaulted by a mob in Behrampura, a locality in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, after he innocently asked a woman about her destination. The situation escalated rapidly when bystanders misinterpreted his question as harassment, prompting an agitated crowd to gather and accuse him of inappropriate behavior. Video footage showed Anwar surrounded by the mob, pleading his case but facing hostility and verbal abuse. As tensions rose, he was physically dragged and left bleeding. The police intervened, dispersing the mob. After the misunderstanding was cleared, the crowd apologized to Anwar, but no official statements were released by the police regarding the individuals involved. This incident highlights the dangers of mob mentality and how quickly misunderstandings can escalate in public spaces.

10 January 2025

BJP Councillor Ravinder Singh Negi delivered an inflammatory anti-Muslim speech during an election campaign on January 6, labeling Muslims as “descendants of the Mughals.” The remarks violated the Model Code of Conduct and the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) filed a complaint against him, stressing that his divisive rhetoric undermines communal harmony and promotes identity politics, using historical grievances to incite fear. CJP called for accountability, arguing that such speech harms Delhi’s social fabric and democratic values.

10 January 2025 (arrest)

A 20-year-old Muslim worker at a local eatery in Ghaziabad was arrested after a video emerged showing him allegedly spitting on food before cooking it. The video sparked public outrage, leading to his immediate arrest by the police. The Food Safety and Drugs Department conducted an investigation into the matter, while the state government proposed ordinances with severe penalties for food contamination. The incident raised concerns over food safety and the enforcement of stricter hygiene regulations.

January 12, 2025

The Ujjain district administration began the demolition of 257 structures as part of the Mahakaleshwar Temple Corridor Project. On January 12, 2025, a mosque named Takiya and several homes in Nizamuddin Colony were demolished. The operation was carried out under heavy police presence, and residents were given only 24 hours’ notice. Many were woken up by loudspeakers announcing the demolition, and several were unable to save their belongings. The demolition is part of preparations for the 2028 Ujjain Simhastha (Kumbh). While some compensation has been paid, the operation sparked distress among residents, with one young girl fainting due to the loss. Senior officials supervised the process.

January 12, 2025

Sartaj Ahmed, a young Muslim man, was stabbed to death in Krishna Nagar, Delhi, on January 12, 2025. The incident occurred around 2:10 AM after Sartaj and his friend Usman were confronted by a group of boys during a late-night walk. A confrontation ensued, and Sartaj called his friend Mubeen for help. Tensions escalated, leading to Sartaj and his group taking one of the attackers hostage. During the altercation, another attacker, Raja, stabbed Sartaj in the chest before fleeing. Sartaj was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead. The police arrested five suspects, including two minors, within six hours, though the murder weapon was not recovered.

January 13, 2025

On January 13, 2025, 27-year-old Muslim man Mohd Salman was lynched by a mob in Nawada village, Saharanpur. Salman and his companion were accused of attempting a robbery. The villagers tied Salman upside down and beat him with sticks. Despite being handed over to the police and receiving medical treatment, Salman died from his injuries on January 18. A case was filed against him and his companion, but no action has been reported against the mob. The incident, captured on video, sparked widespread outrage and concerns over mob justice.

15 January 2025

On January 16, 2025, actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked in his Bandra apartment, sustaining multiple stab wounds, including one to his neck. The attack occurred amidst controversial remarks by poet Kumar Vishwas, who had criticized Saif’s choice of names for his children in a speech, indirectly linking the names to historical invaders. Vishwas’ comments went viral, with some netizens connecting the attack to his rhetoric. The attack was initially thought to be a burglary attempt, but it remains unclear if Saif’s children were specifically targeted. Saif was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for emergency surgery.

16 January 2025

On January 16, 2025, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal attended a Trishul Deeksha event in Kanpur, where they pledged allegiance to India as a “Hindu Rashtra.” The participants held tridents and took an oath to protect the nation from “internal and external forces,” declaring, “Bharat is a Hindu Rashtra!” This event reflects the ongoing ideological promotion of Hindutva and divisive rhetoric, particularly targeting minority communities. Similar rallies have raised concerns about the normalization of such views, even among law enforcement, as evidenced in other states like Rajasthan.

18-19 January 2025

In Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, cow vigilantes intercepted two vehicles on suspicion of transporting cattle meat over the weekend. In one case, they assaulted the driver of an SUV and handed him over to the police. The authorities arrested three men—Zakir Khan, Mohsin Khan, and Jabbar Khan—under the Madhya Pradesh Cow Slaughter Prohibition Act. The police also seized the vehicles and the meat they were carrying. This incident highlights the growing issue of vigilante justice related to cow protection, with confrontations between self-appointed vigilantes and individuals suspected of breaking anti-cow slaughter laws. Local authorities are working to control the rise in such incidents and maintain public order.

18 January 2025

In Dabua Colony, Haryana, 16-year-old Muslim girl Khushnuma was murdered by Pawan, a man who had previously abducted her. On January 18, Pawan forcibly entered her home, stabbing her multiple times in the neck and mouth. The murder is believed to be the result of months of harassment, as Pawan had been pressuring Khushnuma to marry him. After abducting her in 2024 and later being released from jail, Pawan continued to threaten her. Despite her family’s efforts to protect her, the situation tragically ended with her death. Police are investigating the crime, and a manhunt for Pawan is ongoing.

20 January 2025

On January 20, 2025, Mohammad Irfan, a 35-year-old man, died in custody shortly after being taken to the Raisatti Police outpost in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. His family and local residents accused the police of custodial torture, claiming he was denied access to necessary medications, a statement the police denied. Irfan had been detained following a complaint about an unpaid loan. The police claimed he likely suffered a heart attack, dismissing the allegations of torture. However, his wife insisted that he had been tortured to death, despite informing the police about his health issues. The incident triggered protests, and Azad Samaj Party president Chandra Shekhar Aazad demanded an impartial investigation into the matter. The protests led to increased police presence in the area.

21 January 2025

A Muslim autorickshaw driver in Bhopal was brutally assaulted by two bikers on January 21, 2025, after refusing to disclose his destination. The bikers hurled religious slurs and attacked him, vandalizing his vehicle in the process. The assault occurred in front of the driver’s wife and family after the bikers broke a window of his autorickshaw and inflicted physical harm. Fortunately, bystanders intervened, preventing further violence. The victim, in a video shared online, expressed gratitude for the timely help from passersby, stating that without their intervention, the situation could have been fatal. This attack highlights concerns about communal tensions and safety in the region.

January 23, 2025

A disturbing video from Barahat block, Banka district, Bihar, showing madrasa students being forced to chant “Jai Shri Ram” has sparked widespread outrage on social media, prompting calls for immediate action. The Banka Police confirmed an investigation is underway, and four juvenile offenders have been arrested.

Authorities have pledged strict action against those responsible. To ease tensions, a meeting between representatives of both communities was held, facilitated by the Superintendent of Police and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate. Despite the serious concerns raised about religious intolerance, the authorities have assured that the situation remains stable and law enforcement is taking necessary actions to maintain peace. This incident highlights the growing concerns over communal harmony and the treatment of Muslim communities in India.

January 23, 2025

In Chandrapur, Silchar, Assam, four boys were detained for assaulting a Class 8 Muslim student who refused to chant “Jai Shri Ram.” The victim, a student at Narsing School, was attacked while returning home. The attackers accused him of writing something “objectionable” on a classroom wall, physically restrained him, and forced him to chant the slogan. They filmed the attack and shared it on social media, where it quickly went viral. After the incident, the victim’s family filed a report, and an investigation is now underway. The case highlights concerns over religious intolerance and bullying in schools, urging the community and law enforcement to address the growing issue of such incidents in educational environments.

January 25, 2025

On January 25, 2025, a 28-year-old Muslim man, Yusuf, was brutally beaten to death by a mob in Palwal, Haryana, on suspicion of cow smuggling. His companion, who was also attacked, sustained severe injuries and remains in critical condition. The two men were reportedly transporting a cow and its calf when they were confronted by a group of self-styled cow vigilantes, who accused them of smuggling the animals for slaughter. Yusuf succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. This tragic event has sparked widespread outrage, drawing attention to the growing problem of mob violence fueled by cow protection laws. Local leaders and activists have condemned the attack, emphasizing the importance of legal procedures over vigilante justice. The Haryana police have registered a murder case against ten individuals, although no arrests have been made yet. Senior police officer Amit Sharma has stressed that mob lynching is unacceptable and promised accountability for those responsible. This incident highlights the dangers of vigilantism and its negative impact on community relations, especially in a region with tense religious dynamics.

January 26, 2025

Sadhvi Rithambara, a controversial figure known for her inflammatory speeches against Muslims, was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, sparking significant controversy. Rithambara, the founder-chairperson of Durga Vahini, the women’s wing of the right-wing Hindu militant group Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), gained notoriety for her role in the Babri Masjid demolition efforts in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She delivered numerous speeches during this period, inciting violence against Muslims and promoting xenophobic ideologies. Rithambara’s involvement in the Babri Masjid demolition led to her arrest, though a CBI court acquitted her in 2020. Her Padma Bhushan recognition has raised questions about the standards for awarding such honors, especially in light of her controversial past and her role in exacerbating communal tensions.

January 29, 2025

In the early hours of January 29, the district administration, accompanied by police, demolished the 50-year-old Karbala land in Akuna, Shravasti district, using bulldozers. The operation targeted the Imam Chowk (chabutra) and the Taaziya, causing widespread outrage among the local Muslim community. Observers criticized the administration for specifically targeting this minority religious site while ignoring nearby structures, including a statue and shrine. Eyewitnesses reported that the local Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) remained silent during the demolition, raising concerns about the motives behind the operation. Despite the disruption, no immediate sectarian tensions followed the bulldozing. The land had served as a burial site and a place for offering prayers for fifty years, established through a formal agreement in 1983. Community leaders expressed their discontent, viewing the demolition as an attack on their rights and faith, which they believe threatens communal harmony in the region. As anger grew, a crowd gathered to protest, but police subsequently dispersed them. The community has vowed to seek justice for what they perceive as an unjust act against them.

30 January 2025

In Banda, unidentified individuals attempted to incite communal tension by vandalizing a mosque in the Azad Nagar neighborhood. The walls and main entrance of the mosque were defaced with saffron paint, featuring religious slogans and swastika symbols. Following the morning prayers, congregants discovered the graffiti and promptly notified the police. Police Superintendent Ankur Agarwal arrived at the scene to manage the situation, oversee the cleanup of the mosque’s walls, and order action against the perpetrators. Community members associated with the mosque perceived the vandalism as a conspiracy to disrupt the city’s harmonious atmosphere. They emphasized their respect for all religions, stating that such clandestine acts are merely mischief intended to provoke. The Muslim community has called for strict legal action against those responsible. Thanks to the police’s swift response, tensions were diffused before they escalated further. An additional police presence has been established in the area for ongoing monitoring to ensure peace and stability in the community.

30 January 2025

Mohammad Aqeel, a 24- year-old man, was arrested on charges of sedition after participating in a live-streamed conversation with Pakistani cleric Maulana Mohammad Ali Mirza. The conversation, which gained widespread attention on social media, involved a discussion about remarks made by the cleric regarding Muslims who died in clashes with Uttar Pradesh police in Sambhal on November 24. The cleric had advised Aqeel to seek legal recourse instead of taking matters into his own hands. Following the incident, Hindu right-wing groups called for Aqeel’s arrest, and the Uttar Pradesh police detained him, claiming that his comments had harmed the country’s global image. Aqeel’s mobile phone was seized, and authorities initiated further investigations into his potential involvement in the November clashes. The arrest sparked widespread debate, with some questioning the legitimacy of the charges, while others supported the police’s actions.