Quoting a police investigation, Home Minister Narottam Mishra said that the victim was attacked after people realised that he was using a fake name to run his business.
A 25-year-old man selling bangles in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore on Sunday was mercilessly beaten infront of the public by a group of men, who also allegedly took away ₹ 10,000 that he was carrying. A police case was registered late at night reportedly after hundreds of people gathered outside the police station demanding action against the accused.
State Home Minister Narottam Mishra, quoting a police investigation, said that the victim was attacked after people realised that he was using a fake name to run his business. “This (incident) shouldn’t be given a communal colour,” he said.
In the video of the incident circulating on social media, the victim, identified as Tasleem, is seen being beaten up by a group of men in a crowded street in Banganga area in Indore. The unidentified men are heard using communal insults at him as people around him watch and no one interferes to help the victim.
“Take whatever you want. He should not be seen in this area anymore,” a man is heard saying in the video as he takes out bangles from the bag. The man also asks the public to come forward and thrash the victim. Later, three to four men come forward and start thrashing the victim.
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“The accused first asked my name and started beating once I revealed it. They also robbed the ₹ 10,000 that I was carrying and vandalised bangles and other material that I had,” the victim said in his complaint to the police.
A case of rioting, assault, robbery, intimidation and trying to disturb communal harmony has been filed against the unidentified men.
When asked about the incident, state Home Minister Narottam Mishra said, “This shouldn’t be given a communal colour. If a man hides his name, caste and religion then bitterness comes in. Our daughters wear bangles and apply henna during sawan (monsoon). He had come as a bangle seller, there was confusion and truth came out after seeing his ID”.
The police have appealed to the people not to react to the social media posts on the incident.
“We have registered a case as per the complainant and are investigating but we would like to urge people not to react to social media posts that are communal nature. We are also keeping a watch on such social media posts. The accused are being identified through the video. Stringent action will be taken against them,” Ashutosh Bagri, a senior police officer in Indore East police station, said.
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