A Brutal Attack in Hapur
Three Muslim young men Wasim, Rizwan, and Aamir were violently assaulted and killed in the Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh by a Hindutva mob, simply because they were Muslims. After a hard day at work, these young men came home and were brutally attacked by persons carrying iron rods and sticks. Once the mob found out that they were Muslims, they were brutally beaten. This incident is horrific. Moreover, it is also representative of an alarming pattern throughout India. In fact, the assault is not isolated. It belongs to a systemic trend of anti-Muslim violence that is more than tolerated and, in many cases, even encouraged by the authorities.
A disturbing growth in communal violence is being witnessed in India. Cases of hate crimes against Muslims are still on the increase. What occurred in Hapur is reminiscent of occurrences elsewhere. The attacks are waged in the name of beef eating, interfaith relationship or purported immigration status. The same motive is to attack the Muslims because of who they are. The social fabric is ripped as this violence against minorities is normalized.
Human Rights Watch Warnings
Human Rights Watch provides a hair chilling confirmation in World Report 2025. It records the spurt in the violence against Muslims by Hindu vigilantes. The report shows how Hindu nationalist rhetoric through the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of Prime Minister Narendra Modi encourages attackers. Vigilantes are usually impunity minded. The police choose to ignore the law in most instances. Another issue that is mentioned in the report is bulldozer justice.
Without due process, Muslim properties and homes are destroyed. Such targeted attacks build up a situation where events such as the Hapur incident almost become predictable.
Another troubling trend was reported by Human Rights Watch earlier this year. Hindu festivals that have been highly politicized by the BJP have become centers of violence. Mobs brandish weapons. They chant hateful slogans. During processions there are usually clashes. This is normally followed by assaults on Muslim neighborhoods and destruction of property. These are incidents which are not accidental. They belong to a greater plan of communal polarization as a source of political profit.
Rule of Law Undermined
Moreover, this picture was further strengthened by reports made in mid-2023. Violent outbursts are precipitated by discriminative policy and incendiary wording. The inability of the state to provide equal protection makes things even more suspicious. What comes out is a crisis of rule of law.
The Indian democratic ideal of equality is being undermined. Minorities are exposed when institutions do nothing to help them. The Hapur attack is an eye opener to this rising lawlessness.
In its 2024 review of India, the United Nations Human Rights Committee was concerned. It brought light on the minority discrimination and violence especially against Muslims and Dalits. The committee called upon India to stop discrimination and provide protection. Such warnings cannot be ignored. They demonstrate the way in which the matter has outgrown domestic politics. It has now become an international issue. The world is questioning the reputation of India as a democratic nation.
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019 adds gas to the flames. This legislation expedites the citizenship of non-Muslims. It has been condemned as highly discriminating against religion. Together with the suggested national citizenship verification campaign, it creates fear among Muslims. Millions of people are at risk of losing the right to vote. This paradigm justifies exclusion and promotes vigilantism in an indirect way. Both the European Union and Human Rights Watch have reported these dangers in 2025.
A Climate of Impunity
The violent attack on Wasim, Rizwan and Aamir should be put in this larger context. Hate crimes are rising. There is an increase in state enabled discrimination. The minorities are losing protection of their rights. International organizations still encourage India to do something. But the impunity culture continues. Without responsibility the violence will go even higher.
The Road Ahead
India must unequivocally face this crisis squarely. Equality and secularism protections enshrined in the constitution must be enforced. In addition, legislation in favor of minorities must be enforced. Moreover, the political leaders must stop inciting and instead enhance harmony. Importantly, it is not only a matter of three young men in Hapur. It concerns the future of pluralism in India. A country that wants to be a world leader cannot afford to ignore the issue of violence in the country.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are exclusively those of the author and do not reflect the official stance, policies, or perspectives of the Platform
