Pune, 29 July 2025: In a shocking incident of religious mob intimidation, a Muslim family with a long history of military service was harassed at midnight in their home in Chandan Nagar on July 26. The family was allegedly targeted because of their religion and forced to prove their Indian citizenship at the police station in the middle of the night.
The family includes retired Army personnel, both the grandfather and uncle, and one member who participated in the Kargil War and received multiple service medals. Despite their contributions to the nation, around 70 to 80 people, allegedly associated with religious groups from various parts of the city, entered their home around midnight and accused them of being “Rohingya” and “Bangladeshi.”
According to resident Irshad Shaikh, the mob created a commotion and used offensive language, demanding that the family leave the area. They even woke up a school-going child to ask for his Aadhaar card while hurling abuses.
Shaikh stated that police officers from Chandan Nagar station were present at the time but did not intervene. Instead, under pressure from the mob, the family was taken to the police station at 1 am, where they were asked to show their identity documents. They were allowed to return home around 3 am.
The family, who has lived in Chandan Nagar for over 55 years, filed a written complaint with the police. However, no FIR has been registered yet.
Raising concern over the incident, National Minority Forum president Rahul Dambale visited the family and contacted senior police officials to demand swift action. He said such incidents, driven by growing religious intolerance, are becoming more frequent and must be addressed immediately.
Chandan Nagar Senior Inspector Seema Dhakane said the police responded after receiving information about a group of religious activists assembling in the area. As a precaution, the family was brought to the police station for ID verification and later sent home. She added that group leaders were warned not to repeat such actions, but confirmed that no criminal case has been filed so far.
The family has called on police authorities to take strict action against the mob members and ensure their safety, condemning the silence and inaction of officers who witnessed the harassment.
