AGRA: A youth from a minority community was allegedly assaulted by a mob after he was found with a woman of a different faith in Muzaffarnagar’s Civil Lines area on Sunday. A video of the incident later surfaced on social media, prompting a police probe.The incident took place at Zila Parishad Market, where the youth and the woman were sitting at an eatery when members of a Hindu organisation confronted them. According to eyewitnesses and videos circulating online, some group members questioned the youth about his identity after suspecting the two belonged to different communities.The situation soon escalated and the youth was allegedly assaulted. The woman, who repeatedly tried to shield him, was also allegedly pushed and manhandled by some crowd members.Police reached the spot after receiving a call on Dial 112, rescued the two from the mob and took them to the Civil Lines police station.Officials said they are verifying the identities of the two, believed to be residents of Thanabhawan in neighbouring Shamli district, and the circumstances leading to the incident. Police are also examining the video of the incident and questioning both of them. SP City Amrit Jain said, “The injured youth has been medically examined. Legal action will be taken based on the complaint received and evidence collected during the investigation,” he said.A man present at the spot, who claimed to be associated with Bajrang Dal, denied assaulting the young man. He alleged that the youth initially introduced himself by a different name before disclosing his identity. He claimed the crowd gathered after an argument but denied taking part in any assault, saying police had been informed and the matter should be dealt with legally.
