A 27-year-old Muslim student named Rezaul Islam Mondal was attacked on a train in West Bengal, India. The assault reportedly took place by individuals identified as Hindutva extremists while the train was heading to Sealdah near Payradanga station. Mondal suffered beatings, had his beard pulled, and received threats of being thrown from the train.
The attackers reportedly accused Mondal of being a “Bangladeshi.” The harassment began when a group of men started questioning Mondal about his religion and where he came from. The situation quickly turned violent, with the men physically attacking him while using the term “Bangladeshi” as an insult.
According to reports, other passengers witnessed the attack. However, no one stepped in to help Mondal. The Observer Post quoted sources stating the attackers “thrashed the young Muslim man, pulled his beard, and threatened to throw him off the train, accusing him of being a ‘Bangladeshi’.” This incident emphasizes the discrimination that minorities face in India.
This attack raises serious concerns about the safety of minority communities in India. Accusations of being a “Bangladeshi” are often used to unfairly target and marginalize Muslims. Furthermore, the lack of intervention from other passengers indicates a larger problem with apathy towards these types of situations.
This event highlights growing tension and violence against minorities in India. The incident may lead to increased examination of religious tensions in the region. There are also calls for increased protection of minority rights in West Bengal and throughout India.