Kanpur Mob Attack on Muslim Rickshaw Driver Prompts Demand for a Law Against Hate Crimes
The horrific video of a Hindutva mob attacking a Muslim man in UP’s Kanpur while his daughter pleads for mercy has sparked massive outrage particularly on social media forcing the police to take action. A case was registered on the complaint of 45-year-old victim Absar Ahmad. Following this three men were arrested including a member of Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Thursday.
But just within 24 hours all the three were released on bail…. The release came hours after supporters of extremist outfit Bajrang Dal held a protest outside the office of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) seeking release of the three men. They chanted ‘Jai Shree Ram’ – a slogan that has become a rallying cry for targeting helpless Muslims.
The quick release of accused despite committing a crime which the activists say was not only a physical attack for his Muslim identity but also “outraged the dignity of the victim” renewed calls for a law that specifically addresses the hate crimes such as hate speech, mob violence including lynching targeting minorities particularly Muslims….
