In a shocking incident that has garnered widespread attention, a Hindu shopkeeper in Bengaluru was viciously assaulted by a group of Islamists for allegedly playing loud music (Hanuman Chalisa) during the ‘Azaan’ time. The assault took place on Sunday evening in Siddanna Layout, located within the Halasurugate police station limits. The victim, identified as a 26-year-old shopkeeper, was targeted by a group of over five Islamists, as captured in a viral CCTV video of the incident.

According to reports, the altercation ensued after the group confronted the shopkeeper regarding the loud music being played during the Azaan time. The situation quickly escalated into a violent confrontation, with one of the assailants seen grabbing the shopkeeper by his collar. The shopkeeper, in turn, retaliated, prompting the group to drag him out of the shop and subject him to physical assault.

The assault continued as the group took turns beating the shopkeeper, resulting in visible injuries. Despite the physical assault ceasing, the victim sustained injuries, returning to the shop with a bloodied mouth.Following the incident, an FIR was registered at the Halasuru Gate Police Limit, with the Bengaluru Police initiating swift action to apprehend the accused. The victim, identified as G Mukesh, filed a complaint against several individuals, including Suleman, Shanavaz, Rohith, Dyanish, Taruna, and others.

The FIR, filed under Crime number 0049/2024, detailed the events leading up to the assault, stating that the accused engaged in a verbal altercation with the victim before physically attacking him with weapons.

The police have, as reported in The New Indian Express, arrested three of the accused Islamists. The accused have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including attempt to murder (IPC 307).

South Bengaluru BJP MP Tejasvi Surya met with the victim this evening to express his support. Speaking to the press, Surya alleged that the police exhibited hesitancy to file the FIR. After the intervention of PC Mohan (Bengaluru Central LS MP) and Surya and a few local BJP leaders, the police registered an FIR at a belated stage. Surya also said that the police filed a diluted FIR and have also added names of certain people who were not involved in the crime itself.

Surya said that the locals have seen the Islamists frequently in their locality and despite multiple CCTV footage, only 3 have been arrested.