Hindu youth Akshay Koli and his family were attacked by a mob of around 15 Islamists in Kanwad Village of Maharashtra’s Kolhapur on Monday, 25 August.

Islamist mob attacks Akshay Koli & family

Accusing Akshay of helping a couple who were in love to escape from Kanwad, a mob of Muslims attacked his house. The attack left six persons injured and as per the last available information, one of them was in a critical condition. Eleven accused were arrested and presented in court by Shirol police. The court subsequently remanded them to two days police custody.

The police action came after the victim registered a police complaint in which he named the accused who attacked him on suspicion of having helped a couple. His complaint identified the accused as Kanwad residents Javed Mujawar, Umran Mujwar, Aseem Chilu, Sadiq Mujawar, Alam Mujawar, Nadeem Awati, Tohid Mujawar, Saad Burhan, and Lajam Mujawar. Saifali Taral from Ichalkaranji has also been named in the complaint along with five unknown persons.

According to the complaint, the attackers broke the windows and also vandalized the victim’s home. Although Akshay was away at the time of the attack, his family members who were present at home were assaulted by the mob. His father Ashok Jagannath Koli, mother Sunita Ashok Koli, aunt Seema Vijay Koli, and cousins Sandip Vijay Koli, and Rishikesh Vijay Koli were abused and beaten up by the mob.

Police registered a case against all the accused, including five unidentified persons on the basis of Akshay’s complaint. However, Sakal Hindu Samaj pointed out that only minor cases were registered against the Islamists. They have demanded that the Islamists be booked under Sections 109 (attempt to murder) and 118 (2) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), in addition to charges for molestation.

“An Izlamic mob in Kanwad (Kolhapur) attacked a #Hindu family over a minor issue and vandalized their house by pelting stones. However, @KOLHAPUR_POLICE has registered only minor cases against the jihadists. @KanoongoPriyank We urge @Dev_Fadnavis @DGPMaharashtra to register a case against the jihadists under BNS 109 (earlier IPC 307), 118(2), and molestation, and immediately arrest the #jihadists,” tweeted Sakal Hindu Samaj.

Akshay narrates his ordeal

Speaking to Sakal Hindu Samaj, Akshay narrated the entire sequence of events. He stated that he was away when he received a call from his father at around 7.30 PM informing about the Muslim mob gathered outside their house. Akshay rushed towards home fearing for the safety of his father and other family members. He was first stopped by Javed who manhandled him and susbequently, Aseem and others began beating him thereby causing head injuries.

Akshay further added that the entire assault was pre-planned and the accused had decided that they would carry out the attack between 7.30 and 8. Moreover, they deliberately targeted Akshay’s head aiming to cause as much injuries to the head as possible. When Akshay was headed to the clinic to get medical attention, the mob followed him. They stopped him midway and accused him of abusing their father even though, Koli had done no such thing.

“There were about 150-200 Muslims outside the clinic. This made it difficult for us to get out and go to the police station. We didn’t get any help from anyone because Muslims had gheraoed the clinic,” added Akshay.

The victim confirmed that not 15 but close to 50 Islamists had attacked their residence damaging property. The mob even broke furniture and repeatedly attacked Akshay on the head. Akshay reiterated that he was saved only because of his younger brother and further demanded that charges of half-murder be registered against the accused.