Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh: A distressing incident unfolded in Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh as a Muslim family was allegedly harassed by a group indulging in Holi festivities. The disturbing episode, captured on video and circulated widely on social media, has sparked outrage across the nation.

The video, which surfaced on Sunday, March 24, depicted a harrowing scene involving a Muslim man and two women, including an elderly lady, who were reportedly on their way to a pharmacy on a two-wheeler. They were intercepted by a group, predominantly comprising minor boys, who proceeded to douse the women with colored water and smear the faces of the man and elderly woman without their consent.

The Incident: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) revealed that the incident occurred on March 23. Despite the family's protests, the group justified their actions, citing Holi as an ancient festival. “Main Bazaar mein ayio tho yehi hoga (If you come to the Main Bazaar, this is what will happen),” one of the offenders was heard saying. The ordeal concluded with the group releasing the family amidst chants of ‘Hara Har Mahadev’ and ‘Jai Shri Ram’.

Police Response: Following the circulation of the video, Bijnor police swiftly took action. Annu Shishupal Verma was apprehended in connection with the incident, while three minors were also taken into custody. A case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those pertaining to rioting, wrongful restraint, assault, and intentional insult.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Neeraj Jaduan, addressed the matter in a video statement, affirming the police's commitment to identifying and bringing the perpetrators to justice. "The Bijnor Police has taken cognisance of a video that is going viral on social media. In this viral video, a few men are harassing and forcefully applying colours on a family that was going on a motorcycle. The Bijnor Police is identifying these men with the help of CCTV footage," he stated.

The incident has evoked widespread condemnation, with calls for stringent action against those responsible for the reprehensible act of harassment during a festival meant for spreading joy and camaraderie.