Summary:
- Hindu Raksha Dal vigilantes attacked Muslim shanties in Ghaziabad.
- The attackers falsely claimed the residents were illegal Bangladeshis.
- Police confirmed the victims are Indian citizens, not foreigners.
On Friday, members of the Hindu Raksha Dal, led by Pinky Chaudhary, launched a violent attack on Muslim shanties in Ghaziabad’s Kavi Nagar area. The group claimed the residents were illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas involved in criminal activities. Videos shared by the vigilantes show them vandalizing tents, setting belongings on fire, and assaulting residents while shouting religious slurs.
This is the second such attack by the group this week. The violence has been fueled by right-wing social media, which has seen calls for retaliation against Muslims in India, following reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. BJP figures like Nitish Rane and Kangana Ranaut have made inflammatory statements, further escalating tensions.
Ghaziabad police have debunked the attackers’ claims, confirming that the residents are Indian citizens from Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, not illegal immigrants. Despite the false accusations, the mob carried out the attack, leaving the victims traumatized. A case has been registered, but the situation remains tense as communal rhetoric continues to spread online.
