Sikh man thrashed and turban tossed in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit A group of men surrounded him when he refused to participate in the Holi celebration
14, Mar 2023 | CJP team
The incident occurred when the victim allegedly “refused” to participate in the Holi celebrations, which seemed to have triggered the group of men. The disturbing video of the incident was shared on social media, which showed the victim being attacked by a large group of men.
The video may be viewed here:
पीलीभीत: सिख समुदाय के व्यक्ति को मारते हुए वीडियो हुआ वायरल।
शख्स को पगड़ी उतारकर मारा गया, होली का रंग लगाने से मना करने पर हुआ था विवाद।
होली के दिन का बताया जा रहा है वीडियो, घटना को लेकर सीएम योगी से लगाई जा रही न्याय की गुहार।#Holi #UPPolice #ViralVideo pic.twitter.com/zZlbXYUTrg
— UP Tak (@UPTakOfficial) March 14, 2023
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The attackers even took off the victim’s turban, which is considered sacred in the Sikh religion. The Sikh turban, known as the “dastaar,” is a symbol of their faith and is considered sacred. The attack on the Sikh man in Pilibhit is a clear violation of the fundamental right to practice one’s religion without fear of persecution.
The incident has sparked outrage among people, with many condemning the attack on social media. In response to the video, the Superintendent of Police Atul Sharma of Pilibhit released a video statement, assuring the public that the police will look into the matter.
The video may be viewed here:
होली के अवसर का वायरल वीडियो (जोकि थाना पूरनपुर क्षेत्र का बताया जा रहा है) के सम्बन्ध में पुलिस अधीक्षक @pilibhitpolice की बाइट। #UPPolice pic.twitter.com/MlbZyoz4Z8
— Pilibhit Police (@pilibhitpolice) March 14, 2023
Later the official twitter handle of the Pilibhit police station also put out a tweet that said that the tussle between the two parties was about a disagreement about applying Holi colours and that they have talked with each other and do not wish to pursue any legal action.
The tweet may be read here:
होली के अवसर पर रंग लगाने को लेकर दोनों पक्षों में कहासुनी हो गई थी जिसमें दोनों पक्षों ने सम्भ्रान्त व्यक्तियों के समक्ष बैठकर आपसी सहमति से समझौता कर लिया है। दोनों पक्ष अब कोई कानूनी कार्यवाही नहीं चांहते हैं।
— Pilibhit Police (@pilibhitpolice) March 14, 2023
This incident is illustrative of the overall public culture of aggressive majoritarianism being actually promoted across much of north India with impunity; the victim targets being members of India’s religious minority.
Image Courtesy: hindi.latestly.com
Related:
When Holi gets tarnished by the unholiness of harassment, molestation and humiliation
Pakistan: Atleast 15 Hindu students left injured after being attacked for celebrating Holi
