In a disturbing incident in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district, two Muslim brothers, Niyaz Ahmed and Khurshid Ahmed, were brutally attacked by a group of around a dozen individuals. The group had come to their village, Dindayalpur, to collect donations for the Holi festival. During the attack, the brothers were beaten with sharp weapons and sticks, and forced to chant the Hindu slogan “Jai Shri Ram.”
The assault began when Niyaz Ahmed, who had been at a mosque offering Taraweeh prayers, returned home to find the group demanding donations. A brief altercation ensued, and he was attacked from behind. The group hurled religious slurs at him before striking him on the head, shoulder, and back, causing him to lose consciousness. In a video shared on social media, Niyaz is shown with a bandaged head and bloodstained clothing.
Despite knowing his attackers and having no personal conflicts with them, Niyaz described in the video how the assault unfolded. His younger brother, Khurshid, intervened to help, but he too was beaten severely, suffering injuries to his head and shoulder. Both brothers were forced to chant “Jai Shri Ram,” and further violence followed when they refused. The attackers, initially numbering around a dozen, were later joined by others.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many users demanding action from local authorities. The Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Varuna Zone confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) had been filed at the Sarnath Police Station, and legal proceedings were underway.
This attack has raised concerns about the safety of minority communities in the region. Some social media users have criticized the state government’s response, pointing to contradictory statements made by local officials, including advice for Muslims to stay indoors during Holi, while the brothers were attacked in their own home.