Mob violence in India leaves Muslim families displaced

A violent communal clash erupted on 1 Feb in Dutkaiya village in Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh, leaving several homes belonging to the minority Muslim community damaged and prompting families to flee.

The violence followed the return of Arif Khan, 18, who was out on bail for a 2024 temple desecration case. Khan and two accomplices allegedly assaulted four local men, including an eyewitness to the previous desecration, triggering a large mob to attack homes in the village, says The Hindu.

According to local reports, hundreds of people armed with sticks, bricks, stones, and kerosene bottles attempted to enter the homes of ten Muslim families. "Despite a manpower shortage due to the Rajim Kumbh religious congregation, police officers shielded over two dozen residents—including women and children—for several hours," a local official said.

During the incident, police said the mob pelted stones, set vehicles on fire, and tried to breach the homes from nearby buildings. At least seven policemen sustained injuries, with some suffering grievous head wounds while protecting residents and rescuing children from a madrasa.

Reinforcements arrived by 9 p.m, allowing police to disperse the crowd and evacuate the trapped residents by bus around midnight. Following the attack, all Muslim families have left the village and are currently taking shelter elsewhere.

Residents noted that while the assault by Khan was the immediate trigger, tensions between communities in Dutkaiya have been longstanding, linked to economic and other underlying issues.

The village remains under a heavy police presence as authorities continue to manage the aftermath, including damaged property and displaced families.