A Hindu family in Khambhalia, Devbhumi Dwarka, was allegedly attacked on March 2 by four Muslim men after they objected to firecrackers being burst in the courtyard of Shrinathji Haveli. The accused, identified as Maqsood, Tausif, Moin, and Phoolkand, reportedly cited Ramzan as the reason for their opposition. The altercation turned violent, leaving two individuals injured, including a minor, both of whom required medical attention.
ખંભાળિયા | શ્રીનાથજી હવેલીના ચોકમાં ફટાકડા ફોડતા હિંદુ કાકા-ભત્રીજા પર હુમલાની ફરિયાદ, બેને ઈજા થતાં હોસ્પિટલમાં દાખલ કરાયા
પીડિતે કહ્યું- ‘રમજાનમાં ફટાકડા કેમ ફોડો છો’ કહીને અમને હવેલીને તાળું મારી દેવાની અને મારી નાખવાની ધમકી આપવામાં આવી, ભગવાનને પણ ગાળો ભાંડી.
મોઇન, મકસૂદ… pic.twitter.com/fTZQ2RHcEV
— ઑપઇન્ડિયા (@OpIndia_G) March 5, 2025
Legal Proceedings and Charges in Khambhalia
After the attack, the police registered an FIR against the accused under Sections 115(2), 117(2), 352, and 54 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 135(1) of the Gujarat Police Act. According to Vipul Thakar’s complaint, the incident took place around 10 PM when his nephew was bursting leftover crackers from the temple’s annual Patotsav, celebrated on February 20.
Maqsood, Moin, and Tausif allegedly barged into the temple courtyard carrying sticks and started shouting abuses, demanding an end to the celebrations. Soon after, Phoolkand arrived with a wooden stick, further escalating the situation.
Violence and Threats
Maqsood suddenly struck Vipul Thakar with a baseball bat, fracturing his left arm. The attackers also beat his nephew, leaving him with multiple bruises. Hearing the commotion, neighbors and other family members rushed to the scene, forcing the attackers to flee.
Thakar also stated that the assailants not only abused him but also insulted the temple and its deity. He alleged that they threatened to lock the temple and harm his family if they continued the celebrations.
Investigation and Concerns
This incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns over religious intolerance and safety during Hindu festivals. Many are calling for strict action against the accused, emphasizing the need to uphold the right to religious expression without fear of violence or intimidation. The attack on a family celebrating a temple festival underscores the growing tensions surrounding public expressions of faith, highlighting the urgency of maintaining communal harmony and ensuring justice for the victims.