Three Men Held for Assaulting Kashmiri Vendor in Kashipur
Police in Uttarakhand's Udham Singh Nagar district have arrested three individuals in connection with a disturbing assault on a Kashmiri shawl seller. The arrests were made on Friday after a video of the incident, which occurred on December 22, went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
The key accused has been identified as Ankur Singh, 32. His associates are Satendra Sharma, 32, and Akhil Kumar, 30. All three are residents of Kashipur and are alleged to be members of a right-wing group.
Details of the Harrowing Incident
The victim, Bilal Ahmed Ganie, 28, a resident of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir, was going door-to-door in Kashipur to sell his shawls. According to his police complaint, around six men on motorcycles stopped him. Upon learning that he was from the Kashmir Valley, they allegedly tried to force him to chant "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and then physically thrashed him.
The case gained traction after the accused themselves posted a video of the assault online. This prompted the Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) to write to Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Deepam Seth, demanding legal action.
Swift Police Action and Multiple Charges
Following the complaint, an FIR was registered against unidentified accused under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Udham Singh Nagar SSP Manikant Mishra detailed the charges, which include rioting, voluntarily causing hurt, criminal intimidation, intentional insult to provoke breach of peace, snatching, attempt to commit kidnapping, public nuisance, and wrongful restraint.
"A probe was launched and police teams were formed to identify the accused in the viral video and nab them. Based on preliminary investigation, three accused have been arrested so far," SSP Mishra stated. He emphasized that the police would not tolerate any acts disturbing law and order.
The police are also taking action against those who shared the offensive video on social media platforms. "We are tracking down those who shared the video on social media despite police making the accused delete it from their handles on the day of the incident. Strict legal action will be taken against them," Mishra warned.
Aftermath and Calls for Safety
The assault has instilled fear among the Kashmiri community in the area. Bilal Ahmed Ganie informed the police that he and other Kashmiri hawkers have stopped venturing out due to safety concerns.
JKSA national convenor Nasir Khuehami thanked the Uttarakhand police for their prompt action. He urged the authorities to ensure the safety and security of Kashmiri students and traders in the state, asserting, "We are not outsiders but equal citizens of this country."
The arrests highlight the ongoing challenges of communal harmony and the imperative for swift justice to maintain public trust and social order.
