India: Protest erupts in Shimla Over “Illegal” mosque construction, attack on trader
In India, hundreds assembled in Sanjauli on Sunday to protest the “illegal” construction of a mosque and the attack on a trader in Malyana, demanding the demolition of the structure and registration of an attempt to murder case.
The protesters, nearly 500 strong, expressed concern over the rising number of migrants from the minority community in Shimla and called for police verification and registration of these “outsiders”.
Senior district officials acknowledged that a portion of the structure was “illegal” and would be addressed in court on Saturday, citing sensitivity and religious sentiments.
SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi assured that the attack case would be investigated under attempt to murder charges and appealed for peace. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap confirmed the investigation would proceed under relevant provisions.
A civic body official stated that the top floor of the structure was unauthorized, and proceedings are underway in court. Construction work has been halted.
Mosques and Muslims have been facing attacks over the years with several lives claimed. Muslim Parrot reported that Sabir Malik, a Muslim migrant worker from West Bengal, India, was recently killed by a group of cow vigilante group.
The suspects, who have been arrested, allegedly attacked Malik on suspicion of consuming beef.
According to the police, the accused lured Malik to a shop, attacked him, and later took him to another location where they continued to beat him, resulting in his death. Malik, a waste collector, lived in a shanty near Bandhra village.
