Religious fanatics attack a Hindu tailor in Bhavnagar (Gujarat)

Angered over playing ‘Hanuman Chalisa’

Bhavnagar (Gujarat) – Religious fanatics attacked Rajendrabhai Chauhan, a Hindu tailor, who has been actively associated with Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other devout Hindu organisations. He has been injured in the attack. The religious fanatics viz. Sahil, Shaukat, and Munna Bilal attacked Chauhan for playing ‘Hanuman Chalisa’. The incident occurred on 1st February 2024.

Rajendrabhai Chauhan was working in his shop when his neighbours Sahil Padarshi and Shaukat Mankad arrived at the shop. Sahil was carrying an iron rod. After entering the shop, both of them started abusing Chauhan and attacked him with the rod. His right ear has been injured in the attack. Rajendrabhai started shouting for help and hearing his cries, people in the neighbourhood rushed to the shop. The accused fanatics ran away as they saw people coming towards them.

Rajendrabhai Chauhan said that two days before, there was an argument between him and Shaukat. A complaint was also lodged with the Police against Bilal. Rajendrabhai always listens to ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ while working in his shop and 6–7 months back, the accused had fought with him on that issue. Once, the accused arrived at the shop and stopped the ‘Stotra’ played on his tape recorder. Nobody opposed his playing ‘Hanuman Chalisa’, other than the Muslim families staying in the vicinity. On 31st January 2024 too, there was a fight on the same issue.

No mention of ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ in the FIR

Rajendrabhai Chauhan said that he gave all the information to the Police, but they did not mention ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ in the FIR, so he felt helpless. A few Police Officers visited his house and recorded his statement.

K C Rahbar, a Police Officer working at Bortalav Police Station and who is handling this case stated that the chargesheet has been filed based on the actual incident; therefore, there was no mention of ‘Hanuman Chalisa’. There was a fight between both sides and the Police have been investigating the matter. More details will be revealed in further probe.

Editorial Perspectives

• Hindus are wondering how religious fanatics can dare to attack Hindus for playing ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ despite the BJP rule in Gujarat !
• For decades, Hindus have been listening to Azaan played five times daily, but they have never attacked anyone for this reason. Religious fanatics, however, always have an aversion to Hindu devotional songs.