Mumbai Imam alleges mob attack, lynching attempt during Garba festivities despite police escort
Mumbai: Mohd Sharafat Khan, the Imam of the Masjid Islamiya in the Trombay area of Mumbai, Maharashtra, has alleged that he was abused, chased, and almost lynched by an enraged Hindu mob during the 'Garba' festivities on October 22.
Garba is a devotional dance performed by followers of the Hindu religion during Navaratri to honor Goddess Durga. Khan faced this violent attack despite having two constables escorting him through the area.
According to Khan, the incident occurred while he was trying to pick up his wife and daughter from the bus stop after their medical diagnosis. He waited until the Garba festivities ended but had to leave due to the late hour. As he attempted to pass through the area, he was confronted by a mob that blocked his way and began hurling Islamophobic slurs. The mob, which included members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), raised slogans such as "Kato Mullo ko, Mulley Katey jayenge" and "Jai Shree Ram."
Despite the presence of police constables, the mob grew more aggressive, and Khan was left to fend for himself. He managed to find refuge in the Vivekanand School after being chased by the mob even in the presence of police.
Khan, along with his family, later approached the Trombay Police Station to file a complaint against the attackers. In the complaint, Khan named several individuals, including Avinash Gharat, Laxmi Gharat, Sai Gharat, Babu Gharat, Rekha Gharat, Bhavna, Nitin Mahtre, and 20 others, accusing them of attempting to lynch him.
Despite Khan's formal complaint, no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered, and no action has been taken by the authorities. Khan also alleged that local politicians pressured him to settle the issue without filing a formal complaint, fearing that it could escalate into a riot.
Khan, the Imam of Masjid Islamiya, has been residing in the area for the last 50 years, running and heading the Madrasa, Darul Uloom Faizan e Raza, which has been registered and recognized by the Maharashtra Government for the past 14 years. He emphasized that the hostile situation arose only recently, with attempts by certain individuals to shut down the Madrasa.
Khan has demanded legal action against the attackers under sections 153A, 153B, 295A, 298A, 505(1), and 505(2). He asserted that individuals like those involved in the attack aim to create divisions between communities in the name of religion. He called for a thorough investigation and appropriate legal consequences for the attackers.
Asalamualikum mei mumbai pailipada ki sunni masjid ka imam hu yeh ghatna mere saath huwi hai aap logo se darkhwas hai ki humari madad kariye humare sath mob lynching ho sakti thi aur yeh log humari jaan k piche pade hai plz help @MumbaiPolice @razaacademyho @Advsaifalam pic.twitter.com/DiK3RIppeT
— mdsharafat khan (@MdsharafatK) October 23, 2023
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Sharad Pawar discharged from Pune hospital; advised rest for few days
Pune (PTI): NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, admitted to a hospital here with dehydration, was discharged on Wednesday morning, with doctors saying he is doing fine.
The 85-year-old Rajya Sabha member was admitted to the Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune on Sunday following complaints of dehydration.
"He is doing well. He has been given discharge, and he has already left for Mumbai. He has been advised to take rest for the next couple of days before resuming his normal routine," said Dr Purvez Grant, the chief cardiologist, chairman and managing trustee of the private hospital.
Earlier, the former Union minister was admitted to the same hospital on February 9 following a chest infection and was discharged on February 14.
