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Muslim teen thrashed for drinking water at Ghaziabad temple

The accused has allegedly posted photos of him posing with guns and knives on social media
Last Updated 01 April 2021, 10:18 IST

A 14-year-old Muslim boy was allegedly assaulted by a temple caretaker in Ghaziabad on Thursday for entering the temple premises to drink water.

In a video of the alleged act that went viral, the caretaker is seen grabbing the boy’s hand and asking for his name and purpose of being in the temple. The boy responded with his name, his father’s name, and said he was there to drink water. The 23-year-old accused then thrashed the teen by repeatedly kicking him in the genitals and slapping him, according to The Indian Express.

The act was recorded and circulated on social media and the two accused, Shringi Nandan Yadav and Shivanand, were arrested by Ghaziabad Police after the video came to their notice.

“The main accused was arrested shortly after the incident was brought to light. Any person found indulging in anti-social activities will face strict action by the police,” Ghaziabad SSP Kalanidhi Naithani told the publication.

The video was uploaded by co-accused Shivanand on an Instagram account, ‘Hindu Ekta Sangh’, which has now been taken down.

Yadav has allegedly posted photographs of him posing with guns and knives on social media. In addition, he also reportedly posted ‘inflammatory speeches’ by Narsinghanand Saraswati, who is a right-wing preacher.

An FIR has been filed against the two accused under IPC sections 504 (intentional insult to provoke peace), 505 (statements conducive to public mischief), 323 (causing hurt) and 352 (assault).

Speaking to The Indian Express, the minor’s father said, “He was in the area when he felt thirsty. He saw a tap at the temple and began drinking when he was held by them. He was badly beaten up and humiliated. Does water have a religion? I don’t think there is any religion that can refuse water to a thirsty person.”

He further says, “The temple used to be open for everyone, but that has changed over the past few years. We hope our son gets justice and such people do not attack another child”. The family stays in a one-room rented space and the boy occasionally works at shops to help their income.

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(Published 14 March 2021, 11:17 IST)

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