Bengaluru Auto Driver 'Assaulted' For Refusing To Chant 'Jai Shri Ram'

A 35-year-old autorickshaw driver was allegedly attacked by a group of men in Bengaluru’s Hegde Nagar area on Sunday evening. The man claimed the assault was prompted by his refusal to chant a religious slogan. While police have registered a case of assault, differing versions of the incident have emerged, casting uncertainty on the motive behind the alleged attack.

Targeted For Not Uttering Slogan? 

The driver, identified as Waseem, alleged that a group of men attacked him after he declined to chant "Jai Shri Ram," a slogan commonly associated with Hindu right-wing groups. Speaking to The Hindu, Waseem said the attackers were under the influence of alcohol and assaulted him with sticks when he refused to comply.

According to the complaint, the incident occurred between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. near an open field adjacent to AJBJ Layout. Waseem said he had gone to the area with his friend, Zameer, when a group of six to eight men began verbally abusing them. The situation allegedly escalated when they demanded that Waseem chant the slogan. While Zameer managed to flee, Waseem was reportedly beaten and left injured at the scene, reported News18.

Police Probe Underway

A video of Waseem narrating the incident has since circulated on social media, in which he reaffirmed that he was targeted for not uttering the slogan. 

However, the police version differs from the victim’s account. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northeast Division) Sajeeth V J said that Waseem’s official complaint does not reference any religious slogans, reported Deccan Herald. He said that they have spoken to three witnesses, including a security guard in the vicinity, and none have supported the claim that the attackers made any religious demands. The DCP added that the video is under review and all angles are being investigated.

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