Muslim perpetrators including 5 minors tear Lord Shiva's poster and throw it into Holika on the eve of Holi
Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India 
6 March, 2023
Case Summary
On the eve of Holi, a gang of seven Muslim miscreants in the Gudhiyari region of Raipur, Chhattisgarh ripped out a poster of Lord Shiva and burnt it in Holi fire. CCTV footage of the incident was largely circulated after which, many people gathered in the vicinity and began calling for the accused to be arrested. Police officers were quickly deployed to the area to prevent unpleasant occurrences and used force to disperse the gathering. Police arrested seven people, including Mohammed Samir and Shahid Khan, in connection with the matter. The remaining 5 accused are reported to be juveniles.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
Icons and symbols or a religious representation of a spiritual ideal are widely revered in Hinduism. Iconography is of vital significance in the Hindu milieu. It helps connect people’s spiritual beliefs with the real world. Iconography within the Hindu faith takes several shapes and forms. Murtis are of most significance to Hindus, to which daily rituals, prayers and offerings are done. Besides the murtis, there are several other symbols which have deep significance in the Hindu faith – the Om and Swastika for example. Since these Hindu religious symbols hold paramount importance in Hinduism, any desecration of symbols, icons, murtis, religious representations and manifestations, is driven by animosity towards the faith itself which manifests itself through these murtis, icons and symbols. Therefore, any desecration of these Hindu religious symbols and representations is considered religiously motivated hate crimes under this category.
Case Status
Arrested
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
From 5 to 10
Perpetrators Gender
male
Sources 
