In a harrowing incident that unfolded in the Pihani Kotwali area of Hardoi, a 15-year-old minor girl attempted self-harm by hanging herself with a dupatta from a ceiling fan in her own home. This desperate act followed a molestation during the Ganesh Visarjan Yatra in Pihani town on Monday evening by a Muslim male, Mohammed Afzal.
Fortunately, the girl’s mother was present in the house at the time of the incident and intervened in time to prevent the tragedy. She swiftly cut the dupatta and rescued her daughter. The girl was immediately rushed to the Community Health Center in Pihani for initial medical care.
The perpetrator, identified as Mohammad Afzal, harassed the minor girl during the Ganesh Visarjan event on September 25, 2023. Outraged bystanders caught Afzal and thrashed him, and later handed him over to the local police.
Afzal was initially charged under section 151 and was en route to present himself in the SDM court in Tehsil Shahabad. However, during the journey, a herd of animals obstructed the path of the police vehicle near Ahemi village on the border of the Majhila police station. Seizing this opportunity, Afzal attempted to escape by snatching the government revolver from a head constable.
In the ensuing struggle, Afzal was shot in the right leg by the police, and he was subsequently taken to the Community Health Centre in Shahabad for treatment. He was later transferred to Lucknow Medical College for further medical attention.
The young girl’s traumatic experience profoundly impacted her mental well-being, leading to her self-harming attempt. Upon receiving information about the incident, CO Hariyawan Shilpa Kumari visited the medical college to inquire about the girl’s well-being and gather details from the family members. Given the critical condition of the girl, doctors decided to transfer her to Lucknow. Medical professionals treating her at Lucknow Medical College have emphasized the severity of the psychological trauma she has endured.
This incident has sparked demands from the victim’s family for stringent action against Mohammad Afzal, accused of molestation. Authorities have assured that appropriate legal action will be taken against the accused. The Superintendent of Police, Keshav Chandra Goswami, has expressed the intention to ensure justice prevails in this case. The police are conducting further investigations into the matter to bring justice to the victim and ensure that the accused faces appropriate legal consequences for his actions.
Many liberals question Hindu festivals such as Navratri for their safety, sometimes even going to extent of accusing Hindus of promoting molestation and harassment. However, it is perpetrators like Afzal that are bringing bad name to the Hindu community. Thankfully in this instance, he was caught and thrashed by the people before handing him over to the police; likewise the girl was also fortunate to have her mother save her.
