The Anjuman Jama mosque in Gurugram, a predominantly Hindu suburb of India’s capital, New Delhi, was attacked by a Hindu far-right mob. The assailants set the mosque on fire. It resulted in the death of a 22-year-old deputy imam who was inside at the time. The attack followed deadly communal violence in the neighboring Nuh district, where clashes occurred between a Hindu religious procession organized by far-right groups and some Muslim men. The attackers also targeted businesses owned by Muslims.
The violence in Haryana, where Gurugram is located, has led to the deployment of additional troops, curfews, and internet suspensions. However, Hindu mobs continued attacking Muslim-owned properties and places of worship in Gurugram and nearby towns. Some Hindu far-right groups were seen holding rallies and using hateful slogans against Muslims.
The situation has raised concerns about the safety and security of Muslims in the area. The violence in Haryana also occurred a month before the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi, where global leaders will convene.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not publicly commented on the recent violence. He he has faced criticism for staying silent on other instances of ethnic violence in the country as well. The Chief Minister of Haryana has announced the arrest of 116 people in connection with the violence. However, he did not specifically address the killing of the imam in Gurugram. The incident has sparked fear and concern among the Muslim community in the area, calling for authorities to take swift action and ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of their religious background.
Happened in the presence of police
The killing of Mohammad Saad, the imam of Anjuman Jama mosque in Gurugram, has deeply traumatized his family and the Muslim community, leaving them with little faith in the authorities’ ability to protect them. Saad’s elder brother, Shadab Anwar, expressed his disappointment with the authorities. He cited past instances of violence where the police were accused of either being complacent or complicit in attacks against Muslims.
Anwar said he had spoken to his brother just before the killing. Saad assured him police were present in the mosque, indicating that there was no cause for concern. However, a few hours later, Anwar learned about the tragic incident. He claimed that it happened in the presence of the police.
Police have arrested four Hindu men from a nearby village in connection with the attack on the mosque. Anwar stated they brutally attacked his brother. There were signs of gunshot wounds and knife marks on his body.
In recent years, there have been tensions and protests by Hindu far-right organizations against Muslims offering Friday prayers in public spaces in Gurugram. Many permits for prayer sites have been canceled, leaving only a few places of worship like the Anjuman Jama mosque in the city.
Before his death, Saad had expressed a desire for communal harmony. He posted on social media a prayer for a harmonious society where Hindus and Muslims would share a meal together.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of religious minorities in India. It highlights the need for authorities to address communal tensions and protect places of worship from attacks. The Muslim community and activists are calling for a thorough investigation into the incident and holding the perpetrators accountable.
