Bhopal: A 25-year-old male bangle hawker, identified Tasleem, was mercilessly beaten in public by a group of men in Indore on Sunday and forced away Rs 10,000 he was carrying, reports NDTV.
A case was reportedly registered against unidentified men after crowds gathered outside the police station demanding action.
Meanwhile, Home Minister of Madhya Pradesh Narottam Mishra said that the victim was attacked for using a fake Hindu name to run his business, quoting a police investigation. Police had found two Aadhar cards, with different names, with the victim, he said.
In a video that has been circulating on social media, Tasleem was being beaten by a group of men, and religious slurs were used against him while people around stood watching.
One of the men, while taking out bangles, was heard saying others to take whatever they want from the victim, and he was not to be seen in the area. He also urged the crowd to beat the victim.
Tasleem told police, through his complaint, that he was asked his name and started getting beaten after he revealed it. He added that he was robbed of Rs 10,000, and his wares were destroyed.
Police appealed to people not to react to social media posts regarding the incident. They registered a case on unidentified men, charging rioting, assault, robbery, intimidation and trying to disturb communal harmony.
The police have also promised that the accused are being identified through the video, and stringent action will be taken against them. However, no arrests have been made yet.