3 Muslim men caught begging as Hindu Sadhus, not ready to drink Ganga Jal when asked
Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, India 
31 October, 2024
Case Summary
In Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh, three Muslim men named Sohrab, Shahzad Khan, and Niaz were caught begging in saffron clothes, posing as Hindu sadhus. On November 1, local residents grew suspicious when the three men, who were visiting homes to ask for alms, avoided answering questions about their identity. When questioned further by Shiv Kumar Gupta and others, the men initially claimed to be Yogis from the Gorakhnath temple. However, after pressing, they admitted they were Muslim and from Mau district. Locals asked them to drink Gangajal, a traditional test often associated with Hindu rituals, but they refused. This refusal further heightened suspicions, leading the residents to contact the police. The men argued with Gupta and resisted going to the police station, sparking additional tension. An FIR was filed against the three, charging them with impersonation under Section 319(1) of the Indian Penal Code. The Deputy SP confirmed their arrest. A video of their confession circulated on social media, with accusations that they were defaming Hindu sadhus. The three claimed begging in saffron attire was a family tradition dating back generations, rejecting suggestions to find work as labourers.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case is being added to the primary category 'attack on Hindu religious symbols' under the sub-category 'desecration of Hindu religious symbols'. 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. The religious symbol which is being desecrated in this case is the saffron robe worn by Sadhus - signifying detachment and enlightenment. The colour saffron holds great significance in Hinduism. Sadhus wear the colour saffron because it signifies sacrifice, detachment and enlightenment. Saffron also signifies 'Agni' (fire) - one of the 4 principal deities. In Rigveda, Agni or fire is called a priest of sacrifice and treasurer of knowledge - which is why saffron is the colour donned by the Sadhus and Priests in Hinduism. In this case, the Muslim perpetrators wore the colour saffron and pretended to be Hindu sadhus in order to deceive Hindus, manipulate their piety and earn money. When offered Gangajal, they refused to consume it, proving that they were observant followers of Islam and held no piety and faith towards Hinduism. In that manner, by donning and attire which holds great spiritual and religious significance for Hindus, the Muslim perpetrators desecrated the sanctity of the attire worn by Hindu monks. For that reason, this case is being added to the hate crime database.
Case Status
Arrested
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
From 2 To 5
Perpetrators Gender
male
Sources 
