An elderly Muslim man was attacked in Loni, in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district, on June 5 while on his way to offer prayers at a mosque. The attackers allegedly cut off his beard, reports said.
According to police, a video of the incident, which took place on June 5, was uploaded on social media a few days ago, in which a man can be seen being beaten up by at least two accused. The victim was later identified as Abdul Samad Saifi, a resident of Bulandshahr travelling to Loni, who alleged that he was targeted because of his religion.
The attackers allegedly abducted Abdul Samad from an autorickshaw and dragged him to a hut in a nearby forested area, where they reportedly shouted 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Vande Mataram', which they forced him to shout as well, as they punched and beat him with wooden sticks.
A video of the vile incident, in which Samad can be seen pleading with his attackers, has gone viral on the internet.
“I was on my way when I was offered a lift. Two more men then got inside (the auto rickshaw) and told me to stay. Then they took me to a room and locked me up and thrashed me. They forced me to chant slogans… they took my mobile away… they got a knife and cut my beard,” Samad said, according to NDTV.
Loni Circle Officer Atul Kumar Sonkar said a case had been filed against the accused, based on the elderly man’s complaint. “The main accused is presently detained in jail and further action will be taken in the case by arresting the other accused,” he added.
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