Gurugram man ‘abused, beaten up’ for wearing skull cap

Sumedha Sharma
Tribune News Service
Gurugram, May 26

A 25-year-old Jacobpur resident has moved police against six unidentified persons for allegedly abusing and thrashing him for wearing a skull cap in “their area”. 

Mohammad Barkat Alam claimed that he was targeted while returning from Sadar Bazaar mosque after offering namaz on Saturday evening.

When he resisted, they allegedly pulled his cap, tore his kurta and threatened to feed him pork and to raise slogans of ‘Jai Shree Ram’. 

Aalam alleged that he sought help from four others riding a bike nearby but they also abused and laughed at him. The victim approached police but none of the allegations have been mentioned in his FIR or police statement. According to senior officials, Aalam went ahead levelling these allegations in different videos at the behest of some persons with vested interests.

In his complaint, Alam said, “It was around 10.15 pm and I was returning from mosque. Four men on bike and two on foot, who appeared to be drunk, stopped me. They said I cannot wear a skull cap in their area. Two men beat me while those on bike abused me and fled. I could not note down the bike’s number, neither do I know them. But I can identify them if I see them again.” 

Alam was taken to civil hospital by an acquaintance and later he approached police.

Police said acting on the complaint an FIR has been registered under Sections 147, 149, 153-A, 123 and 506 of the IPC.

“The matter is sensitive and being investigated. People should abstain from spreading any rumours and flare communal sentiments,” said police PRO Subhash Bokan.

The incident has left the community perturbed and it has demanded strict action against the alleged attackers besides security around mosques and namaz venues.

“The holy month of Ramzan is on and such an incident is unacceptable. Such instances scare people. Immediate action needs to be taken. We shall meet the administration on the issue,” said Maulana Razak Khan.