Sikh community’s timely act rescues Imam, his family, students from Sohna mosque attack
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Gurgaon: After a temporary calm following communal violence in Nuh, Gurgaon, and other parts of Haryana, an Imam and his family and a group of 10-12 children studying at the madarsa inside Shahi Masjid in Sohna escaped unhurt with the help of the Sikh community when the mob attacked the mosque.
The Shahi Masjid, which also served as a residence for several families and housed classrooms for children, was allegedly vandalized by a mob of 70-100 men.
The mosque's Imam, Kaleem, along with his family and 30 others, had sought refuge inside the mosque when violence broke out. When the police conducted a flag march and assured them of safety, they felt relieved momentarily and resumed their daily activities. But their peace was short-lived. Around 2.45 pm, gunshots rang out, and a menacing mob approached, armed with sticks, lathis, weapons, and guns.
As the mob broke into the mosque, wreaking havoc on its premises, the members of the Sikh community, informed of the attack, swiftly responded. They rushed to the scene, where only a few policemen were present against the massive gathering outside the mosque.
They first secured the women and children hidden in the residential quarters adjacent to the mosque building. Amidst the chaos, broken furniture, damaged cars, torn books, and shattered glass lay strewn across the area.
Guddu Singh, a student from Palwal who played a crucial role in the rescue operation, recalled receiving panic calls from locals about the attack. Their swift intervention and collective effort saved the lives of 30 people, including children and teenagers who were studying in the madrasa inside the mosque.
The actions of the Sikh community saved the Imam, his family, and the group of children who had sought safety in a small room near a parking space, where the mob had already started breaking car windows.
As the mob continued their rampage, the police arrived at the scene and the assailants fled. The authorities confirmed that no one was hurt during the incident.