“Of rumours and prejudice: How ‘Jai Bholenath’ slogan on Muslim boy’s forehead etched by cousin threatened communal peace in UP’s Bareilly”, Swarajyamag, September 5, 2023:
“In an era where emotions can be ignited with the strike of a matchstick, a residential colony in Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh recently bore witness to a striking instance where misinformation and prejudice threatened to disrupt communal peace.
When a young boy named Mohammed Danish, who is mentally challenged, returned home, a bold proclamation of “Jai Bholenath” was inked prominently on his forehead.
Many hastily interpreted the marking as a calculated affront from someone within the Hindu community.
Soon, the atmosphere in his community shifted palpably, and anger and indignation surged. Such was the alarm that a crowd soon gathered, voicing their dissent and even attempting to block a bustling road in spontaneous protest…..”
Read the full article at Swarajyamag.com
