Bahraich – A disturbing incident in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked outrage and tension in the region. Two young men from a backward caste, Chandan Maurya and his cousin Mohit Maurya, have alleged they were abducted, beaten, and humiliated after reporting concerns about what they described as a “love jihad” case. The incident, which took place on July 23, 2025, has raised questions about communal harmony, police response, and underlying social tensions in the area. Here’s what we know so far, based on local reports and ongoing investigations.
The Incident: What Happened?
According to a complaint filed by Chandan Maurya at the Ramgaon police station, he, his cousin Mohit, and a friend named Annu were on their way to a birthday celebration in the Mirzapur area of Bahraich when they were intercepted by a group of men. The group allegedly included Shahabuddin, Anas, Zeeshan, and others from Mehari Baikha village. Chandan claims the men forced them into a vehicle and took them to a remote location.
There, the two youths were reportedly stripped, beaten with sticks and iron rods, and denied water. In a particularly shocking allegation, Chandan said they were forced to drink urine as part of the humiliation. The attackers are also accused of forcing the victims to chant religious slogans. Chandan alleges the assault was retaliation for their earlier complaints to the police about a suspected “love jihad” case, where they claimed a group was targeting Hindu girls using fake identities.
Local residents reportedly intervened, rescuing the youths and alerting the authorities. The police have since arrested three suspects, identified as Shahabuddin, Anas, and Zeeshan, and are continuing their investigation.
Background: The “Love Jihad” Allegations
The term “love jihad” refers to a situation where Muslim men deliberately target Hindu women for conversion through relationships or marriage using fake identities or tactics. In this case, Chandan claimed the attackers were part of an Instagram group called “Baba Group,” which he said used fake Hindu identities to lure Hindu girls via social media. He further alleged that when he first reported this to the police two months ago, the authorities failed to act and even deleted evidence from his phone, attempting to broker a compromise instead.
Police officials, however, have stated that these claims were not part of the initial First Information Report (FIR) and are now under investigation. “We are looking into all allegations, including those about forced slogans and the Instagram group,” said a senior officer at Ramgaon police station.
Voices from the Ground
The victims, Chandan and Mohit, belong to a backward caste community, which has added another layer to the incident. Some local activists argue that caste dynamics may have played a role in the lack of immediate police action on their earlier complaints. “These boys come from a marginalized community,” said a local social worker, who requested anonymity. “Their voices are often ignored, and this incident shows how vulnerable they are.”
What’s Next?
The Bahraich incident has brought to light serious issues about community relations, police accountability, and the safety of marginalized groups. While the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Chandan and Mohit. The police have assured the public that they are taking the case seriously and will release more details as evidence emerges.
