Viral video shows Holi revellers in UP’s Bijnor harassing Muslim trio; 3 arrested, 2 minors detained

Police have charged the accused persons under IPC Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, etc), 340 (wrongful restraint) and 354 (use of criminal force to any woman intending to outrage or knowing it to be likely that that he will thereby outrage her modesty). The complaint was filed by the bike rider after police identified the victims and reached out to them.

Police said they are searching for others who were identified through CCTV footage and eyewitness statements.

Earlier, the Bijnor Superintendent of Police (SP), Neeraj Kumar Jadaun ordered a probe into the matter. “We arrested three people on Sunday afternoon and detained two minors,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dhampur) Sharvam Singh, who is heading the probe ordered by the SP.

In the one minute, 22 second video, two people can be seen stopping the bike. The revellers then drench the man and the women, one of whom is veiled, despite the protestations of the visibly uncomfortable trio. One of the men then proceeds to smear a dark colour all across the man’s face even as onlookers egg them on shouting ‘Happy Holi’. The crowd also raised slogans of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’.

“Holi is a pious festival and I appeal to the people that no one should be forced to take part in Holi celebrations. Anyone found forcing a person to take part in the festival of colours will be dealt with sternly,” SP Jadaun said earlier.