Elderly man assaulted on train to Kalyan for carrying beef

An elderly man, identified as Haji Ashraf Muniyar, was assaulted by fellow train passengers while traveling to Kalyan, Maharashtra. The incident occurred on an express train near Igatpuri, where the man was carrying two containers of raw meat. The mob accused him of disrespecting the holy month of Shravan, during which many Hindus refrain from consuming meat. The attack was recorded and shared on social media, showing the man being slapped and kicked by the crowd. In a video response, Ashraf refuted claims circulating online that he had committed suicide due to the humiliation he faced. He expressed gratitude to those supporting him and urged people not to take any wrongful actions in response to the incident. The video highlighted the disturbing nature of the attack, which included threats directed at his family. The incident has sparked outrage among various communities, with political leaders like AIMIM's Imtiaz Jaleel calling for unity against such acts of violence. He emphasized the need for secular Indians to confront the growing hatred and violence in society, particularly against vulnerable individuals like the elderly. This event reflects a broader trend of intolerance and mob violence in India, raising concerns about the safety of individuals based on their dietary choices. The public's reaction and the political discourse surrounding this incident may influence future discussions on communal harmony and the protection of individual rights in the country.