A man accused of stopping a Muslim family on a road and forcing them to chant “Jai Shri Ram” was later surrounded and assaulted by a mob outside a police station in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, officials said on Sunday.
The incident took place around 1 am in the Kagadapith area. Police said Rajdeep Samanta, who was riding a Bullet motorcycle, allegedly intercepted a Muslim family returning from a wedding and got into a confrontation with them. During the altercation, he is accused of making remarks that hurt religious sentiments and pressuring the family to chant a Hindu slogan.
The family left the scene and informed members of the local Muslim community. Soon after, a group of people gathered and confronted Samanta.
A police patrol team arrived and rescued him from the crowd, taking him to a nearby police station. However, several individuals followed the police vehicle to the station. When officers tried to escort Samanta out of the van, some in the crowd allegedly issued threats. Despite calling for reinforcements, the mob reportedly turned violent, injuring Samanta and a police officer. He was eventually secured inside the station.
According to the Ahmedabad Deputy Commissioner of Police, two FIRs have been filed in connection with the case. Samanta has been arrested and booked separately for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and misbehaving with a woman.
Another FIR has been registered against a mob of around 75 people on charges including attempt to murder. Seven individuals — Sahil Saiyed, Samir Sheikh, Riyaz Chavda, Gulam Kasam, Firoz Sattar, Mahij and Aslam — have been named in the complaint. Police said four of them have been arrested, and further legal proceedings are ongoing.
