In Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, two minor Muslim brothers were allegedly assaulted in connection with a local election rivalry. The case, which took place in Lilaun village, initially triggered widespread concern after reports of abduction, assault and public humiliation surfaced online.
According to the family, the children were allegedly lured, beaten and thrown into a canal. They also claimed that after escaping, the boys were again taken to a house and assaulted. A viral video showing the children in a distressed condition added to public anger.
The father of the children alleged that his emergency call to police was delayed and accused authorities of inaction in the early stages of the case.
“The children were taken, beaten and humiliated. We were not given timely help,” the family alleged, demanding strict action against those responsible.
Initial reports also claimed that the attack was linked to political rivalry between the accused and the children’s family in the context of local elections. The accused were named as Shivam, Nitin and Golu in early allegations shared by the family.
The victims also alleged that they were threatened over a supposed money dispute and warned about their father’s political activities. However, the family later denied any real loan dispute.
Police version contradicts allegations
Shamli police later issued a statement. According to officials, the incident stemmed from a dispute over unpaid dues at a local food shop.
Police said the two children had taken food items worth around ₹6,400 from a fast food shop owned by Nitin and Shivam and failed to repay the amount, leading to an argument.
In its statement, police said, “An on-site investigation found that the allegations of abduction and brutal assault were not supported by evidence. The dispute was related to unpaid dues at a shop.”
— Shamli police (@PoliceShamli) April 25, 2026
Police also stated that some of the viral claims circulating on social media were found to be untrue after verification.
Following the investigation, Kotwali Shamli police arrested Shivam and Nitin on March 15, 2026, and initiated legal proceedings in the case.
Family demands justice, questions raised over response
Despite the police clarification, the victims’ family has maintained that the children were mistreated and has demanded strict punishment for those involved. They have also raised questions over the initial police response to their complaint.
