Dharmasthala: The latest incident of a Muslim auto driver being physically assaulted by a mob for giving a ride to a Hindu woman in Dharmasthala of Dakshina Kannada district underlies the increasing menace of moral policing on the basis of religion and the absence of a stringent law to deal with it.
The 22-year-old Mohammed Ashiq was brutally assaulted by a group of men on the night of Wednesday, August 2. Ashiq had picked up a woman from Ujire and was on his way to the Dharmasthala bus stop when the incident took place.
After safely dropping off the woman at her destination, Ashiq was intercepted on his return journey by the group of men. Eyewitnesses recounted that the men dragged him out of his autorickshaw, subjected him to verbal abuse, and physically assaulted him, all because he had provided a ride to a Hindu woman.
Ashiq sustained injuries from the assault and was rushed to the Government Hospital in Belthangady for medical treatment. He is currently receiving medical attention and is reported to be in stable condition.
The Dharmasthala police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused individuals under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 341 (wrongful restraint), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and 506 (criminal intimidation). The police are now conducting a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters, with many expressing concern over the growing instances of moral policing and communal tension. Social activists and local leaders have called for a united stand against such acts of violence and discrimination, emphasizing the importance of upholding the principles of harmony and coexistence in a diverse society.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges that continue to plague our society, the growing instances of moral policing and communal tension, highlighting the need for increased awareness, tolerance, and stringent measures to ensure the safety and dignity of individuals irrespective of their faith or background.