Incidents of Muslims facing harassment, assault, and mockery in public spaces have been continuously reported across India, particularly in North India, where individuals aligned with extremist right-wing groups are often accused of perpetrating such acts, as exemplified by a recent attack on Muslim worshippers returning home after prayers in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
On the night of Monday, March 3rd, in Vatva, Ahmedabad, a group of Muslims, including children, were reportedly attacked while heading home from Taraweeh prayers, with eyewitnesses alleging that masked assailants targeted individuals wearing skull caps by pelting stones at them.
In addition to stone-throwing, some residents claim that the attackers also hurled stones at houses and forcibly demanded that Muslims chant "Jai Shri Ram" at knifepoint, further exacerbating fears of religiously motivated violence in the area.
The repeated occurrence of such attacks during Ramadan has heightened the sense of unease within the local Muslim community, who assert that despite raising concerns with authorities, no substantial action has been taken against the perpetrators.
A formal complaint has been lodged at the local police station, identifying two of the attackers as Amit and Sunil, yet residents allege that the police were initially reluctant to act, responding only after the complainants waited for an hour at the station. Despite being provided with names, the police reportedly recorded the accused as "unknown individuals”.
Syed Mehdi, a local resident, voiced his concerns, questioning who would take responsibility if similar incidents escalated, while highlighting that authorities often attempt to pacify the community with assurances of safety but fail to implement tangible measures to prevent such attacks.
He expressed dissatisfaction over the repeated cycle of impunity, stating that perpetrators are never held accountable and are often released within 24 hours, which has only emboldened such acts of targeted aggression.
In a video shared by the residents, Mehdi appealed for peace, stressing the need for a secure environment where women and children can live without fear of harassment or violence, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan.