FIR Registered Against Hindu Raksha Dal for Anti-Muslim Graffiti on Delhi-Dehradun Expressway
In a significant development, Uttar Pradesh police have taken legal action following a complaint by an employee of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). On Friday, an FIR was registered against unidentified members of the Hindu Raksha Dal for allegedly defacing a sound barrier on an elevated stretch of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway near Biharigarh in Saharanpur. The graffiti, which read "road is not for Muslims," has sparked concerns over communal harmony and public order.
Immediate Police Response and Investigation
Sagar Jain, the Superintendent of Police (Rural) in Saharanpur, provided details on the incident. He stated that local residents alerted the Biharigarh police station about the offensive graffiti on Friday morning. In a swift move to prevent any potential unrest, officers immediately covered the message with black paint. Jain also mentioned that a video is circulating on social media, where a member of the Hindu Raksha Dal appears to take responsibility for the act.
The FIR has been filed under BNS section 353 (2), which pertains to "publishing, circulating false information, rumours or alarming news (including via electronic means) intended to promote enmity, hatred, or ill-will between different religious, racial, linguistic, or regional groups." Jain emphasized that investigations are ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying the perpetrators.
Complaint and Details from NHAI Official
Sunil Kumar, the NHAI official who filed the complaint, resides in Banjarewala village in Haridwar district. In his statement, Kumar explained, "They used spray paint to write a controversial sentence against Muslims. And, hence, I being an employee of NHAI, filed an FIR against unidentified members belonging to the Hindu Raksha Dal." This action underscores the authority's commitment to maintaining public infrastructure and ensuring communal peace.
Social Media Video and Outfit's Confirmation
The purported video circulating online shows individuals, including a woman, raising religious slogans while standing next to the graffiti, which was written in both Hindi and English. A car with an Uttarakhand number plate is also visible parked nearby, adding to the evidence being examined by authorities.
Pinky Chaudhary, the Ghaziabad-based president of the Hindu Raksha Dal, confirmed the involvement of his members in the act. He stated, "Our members were involved in painting the graffiti, and they rightly did so..." Chaudhary has a history of legal issues, with several cases registered against him. Most recently, in December last year, he and 45 associates were charged in Ghaziabad for distributing over 250 swords and raising inflammatory slogans in connection with attacks against minorities in Bangladesh.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This incident highlights ongoing tensions and the need for vigilance against hate speech and vandalism on public property. The prompt response by police to cover the graffiti aims to mitigate any immediate unrest, but it raises questions about the effectiveness of measures to prevent such acts. The use of BNS section 353 (2) indicates a serious approach to combating actions that threaten social harmony.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to trace the individuals involved and hold them accountable. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding law and order while fostering an inclusive environment on national infrastructure projects like the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway.
