Muslim couple assaulted over beef rumors

Muslim couple assaulted over beef rumors

15/01/2016

A Muslim couple was assaulted on a train by a group of Hindus over suspicions that they were transporting beef (BBC, The Hindu). Several Hindu passengers began searching the train after recovering an unclaimed bag of meat, which later turned out to be buffalo meat. The group physically assaulted Mohammed Hussain and his wife Naseema Bano, who then called family members for help. "Around 10 to 15 people boarded the train when it reached the station and started searching the passengers' bags. They assaulted some passengers. They also checked our bags and even assaulted my wife," said Hussain. The BBC reported that seven people have been arrested for the assault and that the incident is being investigated by the railway police. The slaughter and consumption of cows is seen as taboo by many Hindus. Last year, a Muslim man was beaten to death over false rumors that he was storing and consuming beef in his house, setting off a national discussion on intolerance.