Muslim man assaulted for wearing skull cap on college premises

 

In a disturbing incident that unfolded on the premises of NAS Degree College in Meerut, a Muslim man was reportedly assaulted for simply wearing a skull cap. The incident, captured by a CCTV camera located in the college's principal's office, has sent shockwaves through the community and reignited discussions about tolerance and diversity.

The victim, identified as Sahil, found himself at the center of this unfortunate incident while accompanying his sister, Alfinsha, who was submitting her fees for her BSc program at NAS Degree College. As Sahil passed the principal's office, a group of young individuals made derogatory comments about his skull cap. Despite the hurtful remarks, Sahil chose to ignore them and continued with the fee submission process alongside his sister.

However, upon returning from the department, the situation escalated. The group confronted Sahil again, demanding that he remove his skull cap. When he stood his ground and refused to comply with their unreasonable request, the situation turned violent. The assailants physically attacked him, causing harm and fear. It was only Alfinsha's cries for help that forced the attackers to flee the scene.

The incident, as captured by the CCTV footage, led to swift action by the authorities. Sahil bravely reported the assault to the police, who subsequently registered a case under sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Four suspects, identified as Mohit Dagar, Atul Dagar, Vishal Thakur, and Sagar, have been named in the FIR. The police are currently working to apprehend them.

Amidst the ongoing investigation, there are efforts to determine whether the accused individuals were students at NAS Degree College. While this information is yet to be confirmed, unverified sources suggest that two of the accused may have had ties to Meerut College.

This incident serves as a stark reminder that intolerance and prejudice continue to persist in society. An individual's choice of attire, including religious symbols, should never be a reason for discrimination or violence. It is imperative that we foster an environment of respect, understanding, and unity among people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

The assault on Sahil for wearing a skull cap is not just an attack on him as an individual; it is an attack on the principles of diversity, inclusion, and religious freedom. It is a call to action for society to stand up against such acts of hatred and discrimination. In these challenging times, it is essential for communities to come together, support one another, and promote a culture of tolerance and acceptance.

As the investigation into this incident unfolds, it is our hope that justice will be served, and that this unfortunate event will serve as a catalyst for positive change. We must work towards a world where incidents like these become a thing of the past, and where everyone can express their faith and identity without fear or prejudice.