6 Muslim killed, hundreds injured after shoot-at-sight order in Uttarakhand

Six Muslims have been killed by police fire after shoot-at-sight orders were issued in far-right Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Uttarakhand’s Haldwani, amid clashes between protestors and police over the demolition of a mosque and Islamic seminary. Muslims in the area were protesting the demolition of a mosque and madrasa as part of an anti-encroachment drive, leading to stone-pelting, arson, and the torching of a police station. 

Locals report that a demolition notice had been provided on January 30, after which the caretakers of the buildings moved the Uttarakhand High Court seeking relief from the demolition. Instead of waiting for the case’s hearing, civic authorities went ahead with the demolition, sparking outrage.     

Muslim scholar arrested after protesting hand over of mosques to Hindus

Muslim leader and scholar Tauqeer Raza Khan has been detained by police in far-right BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly after he protested against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s statement that Muslims should willingly give up their claim on the historic Gyanvapi and Shahi Idgah mosques. 

Khan urged his followers to voluntarily let themselves get arrested and fill the jails, as a form of protest. Thousands have taken to the streets against his detention. 

Journalist physically, legally attacked by BJP affiliates for criticizing Modi

A mob of BJP workers attacked Indian journalist Nikhil Wagle for criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. In a viral video, BJP workers are seen mobbing and attacking Wagle’s car, damaging its windshield and side panels.   

BJP politician Sunil Deodhar also filed a case against Wagle, accusing him of “defamation” and “promoting enmity between different groups.”