In the Pailipada area of Mumbai on the night of October 22, Mohd. Sharafat Khan, the president of Darul Uloom Faizan E-Raza, was targeted by a group of individuals allegedly led by Avinash Gharat, Laxmi Gharat, Sai Gharat, Babu Gharat, Rekha Gharat, Bhavna, & Nitin Mahtre. This mob, accompanied by nearly 20 men, reportedly attempted to assault Sharafat Khan while chanting slogans, including “Jai Shree Ram” and hurling derogatory slurs against his religion.
Sharafat Khan narrated the incident: “I was travelling back to my home to pick up my daughter for her medical diagnosis when I was stopped by this group of individuals. They blocked my way and began arguing with me. Fearing for my safety, I immediately called the local police station for assistance.”
Two police constables were dispatched to escort Khan, but the mob allegedly attempted to attack him even in the presence of the law enforcement officers, continuing with their chants and derogatory remarks. “I had to flee for my safety when it became apparent that the constables were unable to control the mob,” said Khan.
Following the incident, he and his family members approached the police station to file an FIR (First Information Report). However, no actions were taken on that day, with authorities expressing concerns about potential riots if the case were registered.
Local politicians present at the police station reportedly advised Khan to settle the matter in favour of the accused, leaving him with little recourse. Regrettably, he encountered threats of further aggression from the accused the following day.
Sharafat Khan stated, “These individuals have persistently harassed me, and their actions have targeted our mosque and madrasa, which we have been running for 14 years. They appear to be fringe elements in society, deliberately sowing discord between two religions and trying to incite a riot-like situation in Mumbai.”
Khan has requested that an FIR be registered and immediate steps be taken against those named in his complaint. He mentioned the presence of crucial evidence in the form of CCTV footage from the area where the incident occurred and the testimony of the two constables who were present.
