Villagers and activists of right wing organizations, including Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Sena, alleged that the vehicle was carrying beef. They also blocked the road connecting Delhi with Kanpur in protest.
in Aligarh. (HT Photo) Credit by;- Hindustan Times
On May 24, 2025, a disturbing incident unfolded in Alahdadpur village of Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh, that once again cast a harsh spotlight on rising communal tensions and vigilante violence in India. Four Muslim men — Nadeem, Aqeel, Arbaz, and Qadeem — were brutally beaten by a mob who suspected them of transporting beef. Their truck was overturned and set on fire, and a large quantity of meat was thrown on the road.
The Incident: What Happened?
According to reports, the four men were transporting meat from a licensed slaughterhouse and were in possession of all relevant legal documents. Despite this, a group of villagers reportedly intercepted their vehicle, dragged them out, stripped them partially, and beat them with sticks and belts. The attack occurred in broad daylight.
Eyewitnesses and video footage that later went viral on social media show the victims pleading for mercy as they were surrounded and attacked by the crowd. The truck, loaded with meat, was overturned and set ablaze by the mob, turning the scene into one of chaos and destruction.
Police Response & Legal Action
Following public outrage, the Uttar Pradesh Police registered an FIR against 13 named and 25 unnamed individuals under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including attempt to murder, rioting, and unlawful assembly. Three individuals have reportedly been arrested so far.
In a controversial move, the police also registered a cross-FIR against the victims under the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, raising concerns among civil rights activists about the criminalization of victims who had proper documentation.
Political & Civil Society Reactions
The attack was widely condemned across political and social spectrums. Maulana Mahmood Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, described the incident as "barbaric and unacceptable," warning that such acts threaten the secular fabric and communal harmony of the country.
Human rights organizations have also raised alarms about the increasing normalization of mob violence in India, especially in cow-related cases, which often disproportionately affect minority communities.
Context: Rise in Cow Vigilantism
This incident is not isolated. Over the past several years, cow vigilante groups have grown bolder, often attacking those suspected of transporting or consuming beef, particularly Muslims and Dalits. Despite repeated calls for action from the judiciary and civil society, mob justice has persisted, fueled by political and religious polarization.
The Bigger Picture
The Aligarh incident raises troubling questions about the rule of law in India and the extent to which religious prejudice is influencing acts of violence. When mobs feel emboldened to take the law into their own hands — even when victims have legal clearance — it undermines both constitutional rights and public trust in law enforcement.
The fact that the victims were also booked under cow protection laws — despite having valid transport permits — highlights a dangerous bias in enforcement. It suggests a scenario where vigilantes are empowered, while victims are further victimized by the state machinery.
Conclusion
The brutal assault in Aligarh is a grim reminder of the dangers of mob justice and the increasing intolerance in parts of Indian society. It calls for immediate legal accountability, better protection for lawful traders, and a broader recommitment to secular and democratic principles. Without swift and just action, such incidents risk becoming the norm rather than the exception.
Reference- Hindustan Times, Times Of India & Indian Express