In Jamui, Bihar, a group of Hindus returning from a Hanuman Chalisa recitation was attacked by a mob. The attackers surrounded their convoy, throwing stones and bricks, and damaging multiple vehicles. Hindu activists allege that the assailants were Muslims. The violence also left several women injured. Police arrived at the scene shortly afterward, and internet services in Jamui were suspended. Authorities have arrested several people in connection with the attack.
On Sunday, February 16, 2025, Hindu Swabhiman organization members had gathered in Baliadih village, Jamui, for a Hanuman Chalisa recitation. As they were on their way back, a mob near a mosque ambushed their vehicles.
The attack occurred as the convoy passed through a Muslim-majority area, with the mob smashing vehicle windows and hurling stones. Several activists, including Nitish Kumar, district president of Hindu Swabhiman, and activist Khushbu Pandey, were severely injured.
According to News18 Bihar, women and children were also at the scene during the attack. One activist who was injured said, “We were returning after reciting Hanuman Chalisa when suddenly 300-400 people attacked us.” Another activist stated that they were attacked with stones and their vehicles were damaged without any provocation while traveling through the Muslim area.
Khushbu Pandey, who was injured in the attack, stated, “The Hanuman Chalisa event was held at Bhaleshwar Nath Temple in Baliadih village. After receiving Prasad, as we were heading back, stone-pelting started suddenly near a mosque. Vehicles were vandalized, and chants of ‘Allahu Akbar’ were heard.”
She also stated that there was a plot to target certain individuals, with talks of attacking the police. Numerous Hindu activists were said to have been stuck in the area for several hours. Videos showing stone-throwing have gone viral on social media.
Reports suggest that local police initially failed to handle the situation effectively. However, extra police forces were deployed later to restore control. To curb the spread of rumors, internet services were shut down in Jamui. SP Madan Kumar Anand verified these actions, stating, “After slogans were raised against those returning from the Hanuman Chalisa event, the police did not inform senior officials. Instead, they attempted to handle the situation themselves and even suggested changing the route. We have sought clarification from them and suspended them.”
A case has been filed in connection with the incident. Eight people are named in the FIR, with 50 others still unidentified. As part of the operation, nine suspects have been taken into custody. A strong police presence has been established in the village to ensure law and order are maintained.
Islamist Disruptions During Hanuman Jayanti Shobha Yatra in Previous Years
Jahangirpuri, Delhi: On April 16, 2022, a Hanuman Jayanti procession in Jahangirpuri, Delhi, was targeted with stone-pelting by individuals from rooftops. In response, some participants in the procession retaliated with stones. The situation escalated as the mob attacked police officers with stones and gunfire, injuring both civilians and officers, including a sub-inspector who was shot. Several vehicles were damaged during the attack. Videos of the violence quickly spread on social media, showing the chaos during the procession.
Roorkee, Uttarakhand: On the same day, a Muslim mob in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, threw stones and opened fire at Hindus involved in a Hanuman Jayanti procession. Over 10 people, including police officers, were injured. The incident occurred when Bajrang Dal activists and local villagers were holding a Shobha Yatra in the Bhagwanpur Police station area of Haridwar district. As the procession passed through the village of Dada Patti, stones were thrown at them from nearby houses by the mob.
Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh: A similar incident unfolded in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, where stones were thrown at a Hanuman Jayanti procession in Holagunda. The loud music from the procession reportedly angered those gathered inside a local mosque for Iftar, leading to stone-pelting and violence. The attack left 15 people injured, and 20 individuals were arrested.
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