On 11 August a video of a Muslim man in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh being beaten up and paraded by a mob while his young daughter pleaded with them to spare his life went viral on social media.
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The incident happened metres away from where the Bajrang Dal had just concluded a meeting. They accused the victim of attempting to forcefully convert a Hindu woman in the locality. However, the victim's family claim that the accusation is a lie and believe that he is being targeted because of his faith.
A first information report (FIR) – an initial
police report - was registered by the victim's family and three people were
arrested on 12 August in connection to the attack. However, on 13 August, they
were released on bail.
CSW’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas said, "The fact that the victim was assaulted so mercilessly in front of the police is worrying. CSW also remains deeply concerned by the growing animosity towards the Muslim community in India. We urge the government to safeguard the rights of religious minorities, ensure the police are trained and equipped to promote peace between religious communities and further urge the government to pursue justice for victims of communal violence."