In a deeply troubling incident near Delhi’s Yamuna Bazar area, a group of returning Umrah pilgrims—Muslims who had completed the sacred pilgrimage—were allegedly subjected to harassment by self-proclaimed Hindutva workers. According to accounts and video evidence, pilgrims were forcibly made to bow at a Hanuman temple, have their skull caps removed, and were coerced into chanting “Jai Shri Ram.” One alleged aggressor, identified as Siddharth Sharma, was heard saying, “This is our temple… now I will make them do the same.” The pilgrims’ bus driver, who had stopped to allow them to eat, was also verbally abused (The Siasat Daily).
Delhi Police’s DCP North, Raja Banthia, confirmed that a complaint has been filed. The incident occurred on August 22, though the video surfaced only recently. Authorities stated that once identified, Mr. Sharma will be summoned for questioning (The Siasat Daily).
Why This Incident Matters
- Violation of Religious Rights: Forcing individuals to perform acts of worship against their faith starkly violates constitutional freedoms, including the fundamental right to religious choice and dignity.
- Reflection of Growing Intolerance: This episode is emblematic of the growing environment of religious intimidation and forced conformity seen in various parts of the country.
- Precedent for Accountability: Legal and public reactions to this incident could serve as a critical marker for whether hate-driven actions will be met with justice or allowed to escalate.
