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A disturbing incident unfolded on the Dhule-CSMT Express in Maharashtra, India, on August 28th, highlighting a disturbing trend of vigilante justice and communal tensions. A 72-year-old man, traveling alone to visit his daughter, was brutally assaulted by a group of men who falsely accused him of carrying beef. The incident, which was captured on video and subsequently went viral, sparked outrage and calls for swift action against the perpetrators.
The elderly man, a resident of Jalgaon, was confronted by the group over a seat dispute on the train after departing from Nashik Road railway station. The attackers, who suspected he was carrying beef, physically assaulted him, kicking and verbally abusing him. The assault, which was captured on video, depicted a scene of unbridled aggression and hostility, with the attackers clearly targeting the man based on their unfounded suspicion. The man was prevented from disembarking at Kalyan station, his intended destination, and was forced to remain on the train until the group disembarked at Thane.
Upon reaching his daughter's home in Kalyan, the victim was encouraged by his daughter and local residents to report the incident to the authorities. Recognizing the severity of the crime and the need to send a strong message against such acts of violence, the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Thane swiftly initiated an investigation. The police team located the victim, who had initially hesitated to file a complaint due to fear and intimidation. The GRP officers successfully persuaded the elderly man to come forward and report the attack, ensuring that justice would be served.
Following the recording of the victim's statement, the GRP filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the perpetrators, charging them with various offenses, including unlawful assembly, rioting, wrongful restraint, causing hurt, criminal intimidation, and intentional insult. Three suspects, suspected to be traveling from Dhule to Mumbai-Thane for a police recruitment event, have been apprehended and are being brought to Thane for formal arrest. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated communal tensions that continue to plague Indian society. While the police are committed to ensuring justice for the victim, the incident underscores the need for greater awareness, education, and dialogue to address the root causes of such intolerance and hate crimes.
Source: Maharashtra: 72-year-old man physically assaulted, abused inside train on suspicion of carrying beef