- On September 10th, a violent Hindutva mob surrounded a mosque in India, leading to the death of a 31-year-old Muslim civil engineer named Hassan. The attack was triggered by tensions stemming from a false social media post targeting a revered Hindu figure, resulting in multiple arrests and injuries.
- The incident highlights a concerning surge in organized attacks against Muslims in the region.
On the evening of September 10th, Nurul Hassan, a 31-year-old civil engineer, left his residence to attend Isha prayers at a nearby mosque. His uncle, Mohammad Siraj, recounted the events, stating that there were approximately 15 people inside the mosque when they suddenly heard a commotion outside.
A mob of around 150-200 Hindu individuals had surrounded the mosque, chanting anti-Muslim slogans and making inflammatory remarks about Islam. They began pelting stones, causing damage to parked vehicles. According to an anonymous witness, the mob forcibly broke the mosque’s door and stormed inside.
The witness provided a harrowing account, stating, “They carried sharp weapons, iron rods, small pieces of granite, and batons. As soon as they entered, they began assaulting everyone present.” Tragically, Hassan bore the brunt of the violence, being repeatedly struck on the head with an iron rod until he lay lifeless in a pool of blood. At least 14 other individuals sustained injuries during the attack. The witness further described the mob’s destructive rampage, which included setting fire to a nearby shop, vandalizing vehicles bearing Muslim names, destroying all the lights in the mosque, burning the Quran and other religious books, and displaying a clear intent to harm everyone within.
Hassan was rushed to a nearby health center but was declared dead. His body was subsequently transferred to Satara District Hospital for further examination. The autopsy revealed that he had suffered severe head, neck, and chest injuries, in addition to a fractured hand, ultimately leading to his untimely demise.
The catalyst for this horrific incident traces back to a Hindu man’s alleged hacking of an Instagram account belonging to a Muslim minor. The perpetrator posted objectionable content against Chhatrapati Shivaji, a revered 17th-century Hindu king known for his historical role in battling the Mughals. The false post quickly went viral, exacerbating tensions between the Muslim and Hindu communities in the area.
Following an investigation, the police confirmed that the post in question was not made by the Muslim boy but was the work of a Hindu boy named Amar Arjun Shinde. Shinde was subsequently arrested by the authorities.
A police officer from Satara, who requested anonymity, corroborated Shinde’s arrest and offered insights into the origins of the violence. He explained, “A juvenile boy was in contact with a girl on Instagram, who also happened to be his classmate. Amar, who was an online friend of this girl, engaged in a hateful rivalry with the Muslim boy. In an attempt to sow discord within the community, Amar hacked the Muslim boy’s account and posted derogatory comments about Shivaji Maharaj.”
The police officer further revealed that on September 10th, another objectionable social media post concerning Shivaji gained traction in the area. “We became aware of the post immediately and initiated an investigation. We were still in the process of investigating the matter and had summoned two men in the matter when the mob attacked the mosque that evening, which led to the death of a young man,” he said.
During their efforts to control the situation, at least 10 policemen sustained injuries. Internet services were promptly suspended, and additional deployments were made to maintain law and order. The incident resulted in the filing of three separate first information reports (FIRs), and thus far, 35 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence.
According to Mohammad Siraj, it appears that the attack on the village was premeditated by certain Hindu groups who had allegedly been waiting for an opportunity to target Muslims. This animosity seemingly intensified after it was revealed that the offensive social media post against Shivaji had been authored by a Hindu boy. The attackers appeared to have sinister intentions, including the possible incitement of violence against Muslim homes and the mosque, although their efforts were ultimately thwarted.
Mohammad Aslam Gazi, president of the Association for the Protection of Civil Rights, highlighted a disturbing trend in the Kolhapur region of Maharashtra, where attacks against Muslims have surged in recent months. These incidents appear to be well-organized and orchestrated by hate groups, potentially fuelled by political motives in anticipation of upcoming elections.
Hassan’s family, including his pregnant wife and elderly parents, is grappling with profound shock and grief. Hassan, who had recently invested in a bulldozer for additional income, has left behind a considerable financial burden on his family.
Community members, both Muslim and non-Muslim, are mourning the loss of Hassan, describing him as a kind and straightforward man. However, the family and the community are left questioning why Hassan met such a tragic fate.
