A 22-year-old Muslim youth named Salman died on Thursday after being beaten in Delhi’s Nand Nagri area on Diwali night. The incident happened when Salman and his friends were recording a short video near Gagan Cinema flyover.
Police said the fight began as a dispute between two groups but soon turned violent. Salman, who worked as a scrap dealer, sustained severe injuries and was rushed to GTB Hospital, where he succumbed two days later. His death has sparked anger and fear in the local Muslim community.
Salman’s brother, Anan, told reporters, “My brother went out to make a short video with his friends. Later, we got a call saying he was lying on the road, covered in blood. When we reached there, he was unconscious.” The family alleges that Salman was beaten by a group of local youths and that the police responded late. “Those boys beat him mercilessly. His friends are giving conflicting statements, which makes us think they know more than they are saying,” Anan added.
Residents in the area believe Salman may have been targeted because of his faith. Many locals, afraid to speak publicly, said that attacks on Muslim youths often go unpunished. “We are tired of being treated like outsiders in our own country,” said Rashid Ali, a local social worker. “A boy was beaten to death on Diwali, and yet there is silence from those who preach peace and unity.”
After the incident, community members gathered outside GTB Hospital demanding a fair investigation. Police confirmed that an initial case under Section 110/3(5) of the IPC was upgraded to Section 105 (culpable homicide) after Salman’s death. CCTV footage from nearby shops is being examined. “Multiple teams have been formed to trace and arrest the accused. The post-mortem report will determine the exact cause of death,” said a senior police officer.
Local Muslim organisations have demanded an impartial probe. Advocate Sameer Khan, a community activist, said, “This is not just a fight between two groups. It reflects growing intolerance and the lack of safety for Muslims in Delhi.”
Many residents have questioned police accountability and the rising cases of mob violence against Muslims over minor issues. “A young man lost his life just for making a reel. This shows how unsafe our youth have become,” said Asma Begum, a teacher from Sunder Nagri.
For Salman’s family, the night of Diwali became a nightmare. His grieving mother said, “He only wanted to enjoy Diwali like others. They took my son away from me for nothing.”
