Madrasa students assaulted in India amid Islamophobic abuse
Students in Kerala allege confinement, assault and Islamophobic slurs as police response faces scrutiny and groups demand action
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — A group of madrasa students in southern India were allegedly assaulted and subjected to Islamophobic abuse after a dispute over putting up posters escalated into violence, raising concerns about religious targeting and delayed police action.
The incident occurred in Perambra, a town in Kerala state in southwestern India, roughly 35 kilometers northeast of Kozhikode, a major coastal city. According to the students, they had received permission from a property owner to place posters but returned later in the evening as instructed, when the situation turned hostile.
The students alleged that they were forcibly taken into a nearby house, where they were questioned about their religion and global conflicts, including wars involving countries such as Israel, Iran, Afghanistan and Syria.
“They spoke communally and questioned us about the war,” one student said, describing the interrogation.
When they attempted to leave, the students claimed the gate was locked and they were physically attacked. They alleged that some were beaten, kicked and struck with objects, including metal items, while one was hit with a bangle.
As the students managed to escape and run toward a nearby restaurant, the attackers allegedly continued shouting abuse, including calling them “terrorists,” a term widely seen as a stigmatizing label used against Muslims in India.
Several injured students were initially treated at a local hospital before being transferred to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital as their condition worsened.
Student organizations have condemned the incident and alleged a communal motive behind the attack. The Fraternity Movement, a student group, claimed that individuals involved were linked to Hindutva networks, a reference to Hindu nationalist groups in India. It said the targeting of minors made the case particularly serious.
The group also questioned the police response, alleging that authorities had not registered a formal case despite a complaint being filed. It described the delay as suspicious and called for immediate legal action.
Another student organization, the Muslim Students Federation, also demanded the arrest of those responsible and warned of protests if authorities fail to act.
Kerala is often viewed as one of India’s more socially progressive states, but incidents of religious tension have surfaced in recent years, reflecting broader national patterns of polarization and rising Islamophobia.
The case highlights growing concerns among rights advocates about the safety of Muslim students and the use of communal narratives in everyday disputes, which can quickly escalate into violence.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
