Ankit killed, Hariom injured in a knife attack by Md Shahadat and Md Sonu in Bihar; police say dispute was over cricket, others claim it was during Saraswati Puja
Gopalganj, Bihar, India 
27 January, 2023
Case Summary
In Bihar’s Gopalganj area, clashes erupted over a cricket match. Two young men, Ankit and Hariom were stabbed by two other youths, Mohammad Shahadat and Mohammad Sonu Miyan. Ankit died on the spot and Hariom was critically injured. Many claimed that the fight erupted during Saraswati Puja immersion. Angry residents protesting Ankit’s murder carried his body to a demonstration near Basdila village, where they were attacked. Protesters retaliated by throwing stones. Some police officers were also injured.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
Why a hate crime is suspected: While the police claimed that the fight erupted over a cricket match, there is a distinct religious affiliation of the mob and the group that came under attack. From the facts of the case, it is clear that a Muslim mob attacked a Hindu group. While it is evident that the mobs had religious affiliations, it is also true that more often than not, such mob attacks are triggered by an unrelated petty argument, however, religious hatred and undertones become the driving force behind the violence. It is also seen in several cases that the petty argument becomes an excuse to express religious hate brewing in the area. This case has been categorised as undecided because of the police version of events. If and when there is more information substantiating a religious angle, it will be added to the hate crime database.
Victim Details
Total Victim
2
Deceased
1
Gender
- Male 2
- Female 0
- Third Gender 0
- Unknown 0
Caste
- SC/ST 0
- OBC 0
- General 0
- Unknown 2
Age Group
- Minor 0
- Adult 2
- Senior Citizen 0
- Unknown 0
Case Status
Unknown
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
From 2 To 5
Sources 
