Hindu deity Lord Ram abused, Hindu leaders insulted by Muslim man in Uttar Pradesh
Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh, India 
21 May, 2025
Case Summary
In Gangaganj village, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a Muslim man named Mohammad Shahid, also known as Munna, posted an inflammatory video in which Hindu gods and leaders were abused. According to news reports, the accused is an autorickshaw driver residing in Gangaganj. He uploaded an inflammatory video targeting Lord Ram and other Hindu leaders on his Instagram account, using objectionable language. The video went viral, causing significant outrage among Hindus. Prior to this incident, the accused had posted several similar provocative videos. As soon as the videos came to the attention of the police, a case was registered against the individual for abusing Hindu gods and leaders, and he was arrested. Police station in-charge Manvendra Singh assured that further action would be taken against the accused.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been added to the Hinduphobia tracker under the primary category - Attack on Hindu religious representations. The sub-category selected is- Iconoclastic representation of Hindu Gods/Goddesses. An icon is a symbol of someone or something that is revered, or a religious representation of a spiritual ideal. 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. Any iconoclastic representation of these symbols, images and murtis is an affront to the religious beliefs and faith of the Hindu community itself since the symbols and icons are deeply religious in nature. In this sub-category of crime, we would record hate crimes and iconoclastic representations, in words, art, or any other form of representations of symbols that hold religious significance for the Hindu community. Since these symbols, icons and murtis are central to the Hindu faith, any iconoclastic representation of these symbols is born out of animosity towards the faith itself, manifesting itself through these symbols and therefore, these representations would be considered religiously motivated hate crimes. Another primary category selected for this case is - Hate Speech against Hindus. The sub-category selected is- Mocking/denigrating Hindu leaders. Hate speech is defined as any speech, gesture, conduct, writing, or display that is prejudicial against a specific individual and/or group of people, which is leading to or may lead to violence, prejudicial action or hate against that individual and/or group. Religious leaders are often seen as representatives of the community, especially, the community’s religious faith and beliefs. Mocking or denigrating a religious leader specifically owing to his religious identity and/or the religious rituals he observes can be considered hate speech because the motivating factor of the speech is animosity and/or dislike for what he represents – the religious beliefs and faith of the community. It is important to note that mere insulting words against an individual do not constitute hate speech. It is entirely possible that insulting words are used for an individual, however, the specific speech is not the result of religious hate and/or animosity towards the professed faith of the religious leader, but the individual himself. For the speech to be considered hate speech, the speech itself or the motivating factor behind the speech has to be religious in nature. Such speech which denigrates Hindu religious leaders specifically owing to animosity towards the faith they profess and the community faith they represent will be treated as hate speech under this category. The case involving Mohammad Shahid, who posted a video using objectionable language against Hindu gods and leaders, constitutes a religiously motivated hate crime against Hindus because it targets both the religious and cultural sentiments of the Hindu community. When derogatory or inflammatory remarks are made about Hindu gods, such as Lord Ram, it is considered hate speech because it directly attacks the core beliefs and sacred symbols of the Hindu faith. Such speech is not merely a personal opinion but is intended to provoke, insult, and incite anger among followers. By using objectionable words for Lord Ram in a public forum like Instagram, the accused not only disrespected a revered deity but also mocked Hindus and their religious beliefs and incited hostility between religious communities. He attempted to provoke Hindus and, in turn, fan communal disturbance. Such instances of mocking and insulting Hindu deities are not just an isolated case, but an instance deeply rooted in religious animosity towards Hindus, their deities, and their religion as a whole. Similarly, making inflammatory statements about Hindu leaders, whether they are historical figures or contemporary representatives, constitutes hate speech because it seeks to undermine the respect and authority these individuals hold within the Hindu community. Hindu leaders often embody the values, heritage, and aspirations of their followers. When they are targeted with abusive language or false accusations, it is seen as an attempt to delegitimise the collective Hindu identity and achievements of Hindus. Hindu leaders are highly revered and respected, and vile remarks passed towards them are a result of the perpetrator having intense hatred for Hindus and anyone who propagates Hindu rights. In summary, the actions described in this case fit the parameters of hate speech against Hindus because they intentionally target and insult both the religious beliefs and respected figures of the community, with the intent to hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community. Since the crime is motivated by religion, therefore, this case is being added to the hate crime database.
Case Status
Arrested
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
One Person
Perpetrators Gender
male
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