On Monday, March 3rd, a group of Muslim men leaving a mosque after Taraweeh prayers in Vatva, Ahmedabad, were allegedly attacked with stones and forced at knifepoint to chant “Jai Shri Ram,” eyewitnesses said. The attackers allegedly targeted those wearing skull caps, a common identifier of Muslim men.
As worshippers exited the mosque, stones rained down from rooftops, causing panic. Some assailants reportedly brandished knives and threatened children, forcing them to chant Hindutva slogans. At least three people were injured, including a 17-year-old boy who was struck in the back by a stone while returning home from work.
A 17-year-old boy shows injuries on his back after being struck by a stone during an attack in Varva, Ahmedabad. Photo: Special Arrangement | The Observer Post
Threatened with Knives
The attackers allegedly shouted slogans calling for violence against those wearing traditional Muslim attire like kurta-pyjama and skull caps. The sudden assault left the community shaken, with many now fearing for their safety during the late evening Tarawih prayers.
When victims tried to file complaints, they alleged that police refused to name any suspects, instead listed them as “unknown persons.” A local resident called for increased police surveillance until Eid to ensure the safety of worshippers.
“There’s a pattern here. When the culprits are arrested, they are booked under Section 189 of BNS and released within half an hour. No one is ever truly held accountable,” a witness told The Observer Post.
Police Inaction
Another victim expressed frustration over police officials’ inaction & handling of such incidents. “If the situation was reversed, we would be branded anti-nationals. Here, the accused were released almost immediately, with their faces covered, and no real action was taken,” he said, talking to The Observer Post.
Police vehicles stationed at the scene following the attack. Photo: Special Arrangement | The Observer Post
Locals say some of the detainees have Instagram accounts filled with videos of sword fights and provocative content, yet authorities have not taken action against them. A man also alleged that police pressured victims to change their statements and urged them to avoid escalating the matter.
In a separate but related incident, a local youth alleged that he was abducted while driving his car. He was reportedly pressured by a group to mislead journalists, instructed to say “nothing happened” near the mosque. The group later dropped him off near a Dargah in a different vehicle.
The phrase “Jai Shri Ram” has deep religious significance in Hinduism, but in recent years, it has been increasingly linked to communal violence.
Pattern of Attacks on Muslims Across India
Similar incidents have been reported across India. In February 2025, three Muslim buffalo traders in Ahmedabad were attacked by cow vigilantes and forced to chant “Jai Shri Ram” despite having legal permits. One of the victims suffered a fractured jaw, Muslim Mirror reported.
In December 2024, three Muslim children in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district were allegedly attacked and made to chant the JSR slogans, sparking local protests.
Such incidents have heightened fear among India’s Muslim minority. Community leaders are urging authorities to take strict action and ensure that religious freedom and safety are upheld for all citizens.
