On May 7th, a man belonging to the Muslim community was subjected to a vicious attack by a group of individuals associated with right-wing ideology in Narsapur, a town situated in the Medak district of Telangana Muslim Mirror reported.
According to the Narsapur Police, the incident occurred following a reported argument between the victim and a gas cylinder delivery person. This information was shared with the Quint on Thursday, May 25th.
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Footage capturing the incident has gained significant attention on social media platforms, with videos going viral. The videos depict Imran Ahmed, the victim, enduring repeated assaults from a group of individuals associated with right-wing ideologies. During the attack, the mob can be heard chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram.’ Imran’s mother and pregnant sister, Ayesha, are shown desperately attempting to protect him from the assault.
Nearly two weeks after the incident, on Thursday, the Narsapur Police revealed to the media that they had received information regarding the birth of a baby to Imran’s sister. Tragically, the baby was declared brain dead. However, the police stated that they were unable to confirm whether the alleged trauma suffered by the mother was a direct cause of the baby’s death.
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According to Narsapur Circle Inspector Sheikh Lal Mazhar, on May 7th, a gas cylinder delivery boy named Lingam visited Imran’s residence in Narsapur for the purpose of delivering a cylinder.
Imran is also the owner of a small restaurant in the town.
During the incident, Lingam, who was wearing a Hanuman Mala as part of a month-long ritual, requested the empty gas cylinder from Imran. However, Imran informed him that he could only return it the following day. Lingam insisted on having the cylinder immediately, leading to a verbal argument between the two individuals.
As per CI Mazhar’s account, in a fit of anger, Imran allegedly slapped Lingam with his footwear. Disturbed by the incident, Lingam reported the incident to others who were participating in the observance of Hanuman Mala at a nearby temple. Subsequently, they gathered and proceeded towards Imran’s residence.
Disregarding the pleas made by Imran’s mother, the mob forcefully dragged him out of his house and proceeded to assault him on the road.
“There were 10-15 people in the mob, and they began raising ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans. Imran’s mother and pregnant sister were caught in the middle. On receiving information about the altercation, we reached the spot in 10-15 minutes, and took Imran and the others into custody,” CI Mazhar said.
On May 7th, Valdas Mallesh, a local BJP leader, addressed the media outside the Narsapur police station. According to him, the altercation occurred when Imran allegedly struck Lingam, who was wearing a Hanuman Mala, during the scuffle.
“When someone is wearing the Hanuman Mala, he should be treated with respect. It is an attack on our faith,” he said.
The Narsapur Police have filed a case against Imran under Section 295 (insult to religion), while 10-15 members of the mob have been charged under various sections including 341 (wrongful restraint), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 506 (threat to cause grievous hurt), and 504 (intentional insult).
The Narsapur Police, however, arrested Imran while releasing the other individuals involved in the incident with notices. Imran was remanded in custody with the justification that the situation had the potential to escalate into a religious matter.
The CI further provided information that on May 13th, Imran’s sister, Ayesha, gave birth to a baby and was receiving medical treatment at Niloufer Hospital in Hyderabad. Unfortunately, the child was pronounced brain dead at the hospital. The exact reasons behind the baby’s condition, however, remain unconfirmed at this time.
During a media interaction on Thursday, Kausar Mohiuddin, the MLA from Karwan representing the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), shared that the Medak Superintendent of Police had informed him about the situation.
According to Mohiuddin, the police assured him that they would initiate action against the individuals involved in the incident if Imran, Ayesha, or their family lodged an official complaint.