In a horrific video from Delhi’s Sant Nagar, a man can be heard throwing horrible abuse at the staff of a biryani joint on the night of Diwali, harassing them into closing the restaurant. They are also threatened with fire while they do so; “It will catch fire…” the man says.
Case registered by Delhi police
After the video went viral on social media, the Delhi Police launched an investigation, but the culprits have yet to be identified or apprehended.
A case has been filed under section 295A of the Indian Penal Code (‘deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religion or religious beliefs’)
“No PCR call or complaint has been received at the Burari Police Station,Delhi as of now… however, facts are being verified and legal action will be taken as per the law,” DCP (North Delhi), Sagar Singh Kalsi, said.
Identification of the man
The man (who is never seen on camera) begins the nearly three-minute video by referring to the eatery, which is located on a public street, by saying “Is this a Muslim area? Look at them sitting there.”
According to PTI, the man’s name is Naresh Kumar Suryavanshi, and he claims to be a member of the right-wing Bajrang Dal.
He approaches the biryani vendors, who are sitting peacefully inside waiting for clients, and begins shouting and assaulting them, stating that this is a “Hindu neighbourhood” and ordering them to close up shop.
“Hey… how have you opened your shop? Who gave you permission? Don’t you know this is a Hindu area? Today is Diwali… close it down now. What is this… you think this is ‘your’ area… is this Jama Masjid? This is a fully ‘Hindu’ area,” he shouts.
However, the authenticity of the video couldn’t be verified hence unattached.
The whole incident
The restaurant staff appear shocked, scared, and unable to respond to the stream of abuse.
When one of them manages to say something, they try and defuse the situation by wishing their attacker for Diwali, but he brushes it off and asks: “Aren’t you afraid?”
The shell-shocked employees have started moving chairs, tables, and utensils inside the store and are prepared to close it down, while the man yells at them, “this is a Hindu area.”
He then turns to the gathered crowd and addresses them: “Wake up… these people are all doing ‘love jihad’ here with our sisters… to trap them.”
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