A Hindu mob brutally attacked three Muslim youths in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, on September 18. The victims, identified as Ghulam Dostagir, Mohammad Ayub, and Aaqif, were returning on a motorcycle from a petrol pump when they encountered a disturbing scene.
Dostagir and Ayub explained, “We saw a man being beaten by a Hindutva mob. As we tried to pass by, the attackers focused on us, blocked our way, and attacked without any provocation.”
Ayub shared that a third person was able to escape before the mob turned their attention to them. “We were violently beaten and forced to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram,’” he said.
The two suffered serious injuries, and they credit the police for their timely intervention. “Only the police saved us,” Ayub stated. After the incident, the police took them to the hospital for treatment.
Dostagir’s brother told the media, “They targeted us just because of our religion.” The victims’ statements have sparked outrage on social media, calling for justice and safety for minority communities in India.