Exclusive: Hindus Attacked for Chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ During Gudi Padwa Procession Near Malad East Mosque; Five, Including Arshan, Booked

On March 30, Kurar Police registered a case against Arshan Sheikh and four other individuals for allegedly attacking seven Hindu men for wearing saffron attire and chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ during a Gudi Padwa procession in Malad East. The incident occurred around 5:30 PM near Noorani Mosque on Ranisati Marg in Pathanwadi. According to reports, a group of Hindu men carrying saffron flags were on their way to a celebratory event when they were allegedly assaulted.

Islamists attack Hindus chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ near mosque in Malad East during Gudi Padwa procession. Arshan and four others booked (Image: AI generated image via SS of viral video of the attack posted by Bajrang Dal)

Rajkumar Choube, a mobile repair shop owner from Sakinaka, filed a complaint regarding an attack. According to the FIR registered based on his statement, the assailants, dressed in white kurtas and net caps, specifically targeted Hindu men wearing saffron attire. Choube recalled hearing someone shout, “Beat all of them who are wearing saffron clothes,” just before the assault began.

When Choube attempted to intervene, the attackers verbally abused and assaulted him, saying, “Why did you people come into this crowd?” His friend, Sujit Sharma, quickly alerted a nearby police van about the incident. The police responded promptly, intervening to separate the attackers from Choube and his companions. The injured Hindu youths were then transported to the hospital in a police van for medical treatment.

Later, Choube reviewed video footage of the incident and identified Arshan as one of the attackers. The FIR has been filed under Sections 118(1), 115(2), 352, 189, and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police have detained Arshan Sheikh, who was seen in a viral video striking a victim with a wooden stick, while efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining suspects through CCTV footage.

Bajrang Dal, BJP, and Shiv Sena Call for Strict Action

The incident triggered strong political responses. Gautam Ravriya, the Konkan Prant co-organizer of Bajrang Dal, stated, “We are demanding strict action against the accused. The police should arrest them immediately. We have informed the police that the festivals of Ram Navami and Ram Janmotsav are approaching and should be celebrated without fear.”

While speaking with Opindia, Ravriya stated, “When the Gudi Padwa procession was passing through in the morning, some Hindu boys were walking with saffron flags. A few Muslim boys from Pathanwadi saw them and objected. Chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ while holding a saffron flag is not a crime anywhere in India—both the Supreme Court and High Court have stated this in clear judgments. This incident wasn’t spontaneous; it was part of a well-planned conspiracy. It did not just happen here – it happened in Tiwari Chawl, Chembur, Kurla, and other places across Mumbai. This is a systematic pattern of jihad – targeting Hindu festivals, mob lynching, and mentally breaking Hindus so they can’t celebrate their festivals freely. We demand strict action from the administration. All those seen in the video must be arrested immediately, and their names should be added to the FIR.”

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam alleged that the local MLA was protecting the attackers and stated, "The homes of those 'jihadis' who attempted to incite riots on Sunday and assaulted Hindu boys should be demolished." BJP MLC Pravin Darekar described the violence as "extremely serious" and called on the police to take prompt action.

Hindu Youth Allegedly Attacked for Chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’

Eyewitnesses reported that tensions escalated when a group of Hindu youths chanted "Jai Shri Ram." Islamists alleged that the slogans were raised during Muslim prayer time. According to The Tribune, one eyewitness attributed the provocation to Hindus, stating, "Thousands were gathered for ‘Asr’ prayers. Suddenly, six people with saffron flags arrived and stood in front of the mosque, raising slogans."

Notably, the police have downplayed any religious aspect in the case, referring to the scuffle as a "misunderstanding." Deputy Commissioner of Police Smita Patil stated that investigations are ongoing and urged the public to refrain from believing rumors.

Political Leadership Calls for Urgent Police Action"

After the attack, leaders of the ruling party have directed the police to stay alert and take prompt action in similar situations.

(This Article was originally published by OpIndia)