An incident in Uttarakhand’s Rudrapur has sparked concern after an elderly Muslim man was allegedly assaulted while offering namaz on a vacant plot near a temple. The episode, which reportedly took place in the Jagatpura area of the city during the holy month of Ramzan, has drawn attention after a video of the incident surfaced online.
The victim, identified as Shahid, is a resident of Resham Bari and had been working near the Atriya Temple for several days. According to his statement, he offered prayers on an open piece of land located at some distance from the temple premises. He maintained that the land was vacant and not part of the temple compound. Shahid said he did not intend to hurt religious sentiments and had chosen the spot simply because it was open and accessible.
Soon after he began offering namaz, a group of men allegedly confronted him. A video that later circulated on social media appears to show the elderly man being beaten with sticks and verbally abused. The footage also reportedly captures the accused forcing him to chant religious slogans. The visuals quickly went viral, prompting widespread reactions and raising questions about communal harmony in the region.
Members of the local Muslim community accompanied Shahid to the police station in Rudrapur and lodged a formal complaint. They claimed that one of the accused had previously been convicted in a murder case and is currently out on parole. Community representatives demanded immediate action and protection for the victim, expressing fears that the situation could escalate if strict measures are not taken.
Police officials confirmed that Shahid was sent for a medical examination and that an investigation has been initiated. Authorities stated that they are reviewing the viral video and gathering evidence from the spot. Officers reached Jagatpura soon after receiving information about the incident and appealed to residents from both communities to maintain peace and avoid spreading rumors.
The temple manager of Atriya Temple, Arvind Sharma, stated that activities associated with any other religion would not be allowed on temple land. He asserted that religious practices of different faiths should not take place near the temple premises. His remarks have added to the ongoing discussion, especially regarding the ownership and status of the land where the prayers were offered.
Rudrapur, an industrial hub in Uttarakhand, is known for its diverse population. Local leaders and civil society members have urged calm and called for a fair and transparent probe. Many residents emphasized that isolated incidents should not disturb the city’s communal fabric.
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As the investigation progresses, authorities have assured that legal action will be taken based on the findings. For now, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victim while preserving peace and harmony in Rudrapur.