Stones pelted on lord Shiva procession from a Madrasa on last day of Shravan month
Kheda, Gujarat, India 
14 September, 2023
Case Summary
On September 15, on the last day of the auspicious month of Shravan, a Lord Shiva procession came under brutal attack in the Thasra area in the Kheda district in Gujarat. According to reports, stones were pelted from a Madarsa when the Hindu devotees were taking out the procession from the area. Vijaydasji Maharaj, the organiser of the “Shivji ki savari” yatra, said that the attack appeared to be pre-planned. Hindus taking part in processions were forced to abandon the yatra mid-way and flee for their lives. A stampede-like situation developed, with many people running helter-skelter to seek refuge. In this incident, three police officers were hurt, including two officers and one PSI.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
Because a Hindu religious procession came under attack by Islamists, this case has been put under the sub-category 'Attack on religious procession' under the prime category 'Attack not resulting in death' of the tracker. The outward celebration and display of religious symbols in an intrinsic part of Hinduism. Religious processions on various festivals are age-old traditions and a way to manifest faith and form a part of the religious practices of Hindus. On several occasions, such religious processions come under attack by non-Hindu mobs, in a manifestation of their animosity towards Hinduism and their practices. The reasons cited for such violent attacks are many and range from crossing a non-Hindu resident-dominated area to playing loud music, crossing from an area where there is a religious structure of another faith etc. The violent attacks are triggered by the outward display of religiosity by Hindus. The attacks are mainly a manifestation of religious supremacist doctrine which believes that idolatry, essentially the Hindu faith, is one that deserves to be annihilated since the very tenets of Hinduism, its practices and traditions are considered a sin in those doctrines. Since these attacks emanate from intrinsic and doctrinal animosity towards Hindus and Hinduism, it is considered a religiously motivated hate crime under this category. The act of stone pelting from a madrasa at a Lord Shiva procession clearly reflects animosity towards Hindu traditions and beliefs. Such targeted aggression during a religious observance demonstrates a deliberate intent to disrupt the peaceful expression of faith and is driven by intolerance and a desire to intimidate or harm individuals based on their religious identity. For these reasons, the case qualifies as a hate crime and has been added to the database.
Case Status
Complaint filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
Unknown
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
