Rajasthan: Muslim Hajj Pilgrims Attacked by Hindutva Mob
A bus carrying several Hajj pilgrims was attacked by a violent Hindutva mob in Kota, Rajasthan on 26 May 2023. The bus carrying hajj pilgrims was en route to Jaipur Airport when it was stopped and made hostage on the Kota-Bundi Road near Menal Hotel.
According to the victims, the Hindu mob pelted stones on the bus leaving them injured including the bus driver, children and women onboard. Passengers reported being coerced into chanting “Jai Shree Ram” slogans and faced death threats. Some sustained severe injuries and were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. The Hindutva assailants, who continuously raised slogans, even attempted to set the bus on fire. Abdul Kalam, one of the passengers who confronted the attackers, was viciously struck on the head with an iron rod, resulting in six stitches. Mohammad Fardeen (18) whose left foot is brutally wounded said that his 60-year-old grandmother who was also on that bus, was harassed and looted by the assailants.
An FIR was registered regarding the incident.