Mob assaults Muslim homes in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband, over half a dozen houses set on fire

Mob assaults Muslim homes in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband, over half a dozen houses set on fire
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A mob vandalised and set fire to more than half a dozen houses belonging to Muslim households in Dutkaiya village of Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district on Sunday, February 1, forcing all Muslim residents of the village to flee their homes.

According to Maktoob Media, at least seven police personnel were injured while attempting to shield women and children from a mob numbering several hundred for hours, police officials said.

The violence followed a series of incidents that unfolded earlier in the day. According to the police, three men allegedly assaulted local residents on Sunday morning. One of the accused, Arif Khan, had previously been involved in a 2024 temple desecration case and was out on bail at the time.

Police officials said Khan and two accomplices from Raipur allegedly assaulted four men on Sunday morning, including at least one eyewitness in the temple desecration case. Following the incident, four cases were registered against the three accused, and villagers were assured that Khan would be arrested.

Despite this assurance, a small mob vandalised Khan’s house later in the day. Tensions escalated soon after, as a much larger mob from Dutkaiya and neighbouring villages gathered at the site.

Armed with sticks, bricks, stones and kerosene bottles, the crowd allegedly attempted to force entry into the homes of around 10 Muslim families who had locked themselves inside. Several vehicles were set on fire, and houses were vandalised and torched.

According to police officials, families related to Arif Khan had left the village after the 2024 temple desecration incident, fearing reprisals, but were later persuaded by the administration to return.