Hindu devotees, including children and women attacked with stones while returning from religious event by Muslim mob
Darbhanga, Bihar, India 
29 March, 2025
Case Summary
In Darbhanga, Bihar, devotees returning from the Kalash Sthapana ceremony at the Durga Temple in Pachhiyari Rahi village came under attack. On March 30, 2025, at around 4:30 PM, devotees were returning from the Durga temple following the Kalash Shobha Yatra when stones were hurled at them in the Kewatgama Panchayat of the Kusheshwarsthan police station area. The assault created chaos, especially among women and children, who screamed in fear and ran for cover. Muslims, who had already gathered on the roof to await the Shobha Yatra, reportedly carried out the attack. Eyewitnesses reported that individuals gathered on the roof of Mohammad Alauddin’s house were responsible for throwing the stones. The sudden attack left the affected Hindu community in shock, prompting them to immediately inform the police. Upon receiving the information, a large contingent of police forces from Kusheshwarsthan, Tilkeshwar, and Biraul reached the village and brought the situation under control. However, tension remained high in the area. Notably, just two weeks earlier, on the occasion of Holi, a clash had taken place between the two communities in the village, involving stone-pelting and baton attacks, resulting in multiple injuries. At that time, the matter was settled through mutual agreement, with both parties signing a PR bond under police supervision. Former village head stated that the previous incident had been resolved amicably, but this attack once again spread fear among the villagers. Senior police officials, including SSP, visited the site, assessed the situation, and deployed a heavy police force in the village to maintain order.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been added to the tracker under the prime category of- Attack not resulting in death. Under this, the first sub-category selected is- Attack against Hindu devotees. Hindu devotees are a few of the easiest targets of religiously motivated hate crimes because during the festival/procession/puja etc, for non-Hindus it is easy to profile their victims on the basis of religion. Hindu devotees come under attack on several occasions by individual non-Hindus or mobs of non-Hindus owing to their animosity against Hinduism, its symbols and tradition/practices. There are several instances of Hindu devotees being attacked while they worship in temples or temporary religious structures, during religious processions, doing bhajan/kirtan/puja in their own homes, in the residential society etc. These attacks are perpetrated by non-Hindus primarily because of their animosity towards Hindus and their faith. In some cases, the trigger for the violence may be non-religious, however, there are two elements that make these hate crimes. First, the Hindus who come under attack are attacked violently while indulging in religious activity. Whether they are in a place of worship or not is immaterial to the crime. When individuals are attacked while indulging in religious practices, the attack in itself is a hindrance to their freedom to practice religion and therefore constitutes a hate crime. Secondly, religious supremacist doctrines and ideologies deem religious practices of Hindus to be offensive ab initio since they are considered “sinful” by these ideologies, worthy to be annihilated by force or coercion. Driven by these religious supremacist ideologies and doctrines, the attacks against Hindu devotees stem from intrinsic animosity towards Hinduism. In some cases, the trigger for the violence may be non-religious, however, it develops into a religiously motivated crime during the course of the violence. Since these attacks stem from animosity towards Hindus and Hinduism, they are considered religiously motivated hate crimes under this category. The attack in Darbhanga qualifies as a religiously motivated hate crime as it specifically targeted Hindu devotees engaged in a religious ritual. The incident occurred when devotees were returning from the Kalash Sthapana ceremony, a significant Hindu practice. Since religious activities make it easier for non-Hindus to identify and profile their targets, the violence appears to have been motivated by hostility towards Hindus and their religious practices. The devotees were attacked while engaged in their faith, which directly infringes upon their freedom to practise religion, making it a hate crime. Additionally, the incident aligns with the pattern of attacks against Hindus solely for their religious identity. Similar to past cases where Hindus were assaulted without provocation, the devotees in Darbhanga were attacked while participating in religious activities, making their faith the trigger. Moreover, since stones were hurled it becomes obvious that the attack was premeditated and carefully planned. The use of such weapons requires preparation, acquisition of materials, and coordination among participants, all of which suggest a deliberate and organised effort rather than a spontaneous act of violence. The presence of an earlier communal attack on Hindus on Holi, another Hindu festival, indicates an ongoing pattern of hostility towards Hindus during their religious observances. The attack was not just an act of random violence but one rooted in religious animosity, making it a clear instance of a hate crime.
Case Status
Complaint filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
From 10 to 100
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
