Nadim Malik, a 27-year-old Muslim textile trader, fell victim to a brutal assault by unidentified assailants while travelling from Mumbai to Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahar district on Friday. The attackers shaved his head and beard, and partially stripped him, causing significant distress during the train journey.
Malik, who had been working as a trader in Mumbai’s Malad area, had boarded the train on Wednesday. The incident came to light when a video of the assault was shared by Malik’s family on WhatsApp, prompting them to file a complaint.
According to police reports, the assault occurred between Bharatpur and Kota in Rajasthan, and Malik was later found by his family members in Delhi.
This incident is not an isolated one. Similar occurrences have been reported in the past, highlighting a disturbing trend of violence and discrimination.
In January 2023, a 45-year-old aluminium trader from Moradabad city was subjected to a similar ordeal. Mohd Asim Hussain was allegedly stripped, beaten for nearly an hour, had his beard pulled, and was coerced into chanting ‘Jai Shree Ram’ while travelling on the Pratapgarh-bound Padmavat Express.
In July 2023, a Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable opened fire aboard the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express, resulting in the deaths of his senior officer and three Muslim passengers. The assailant’s public support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ignited widespread outrage across the nation.
