Muslim man attacked, forced to eat cow dung in India

NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — A viral video from the western Indian city of Pune has sparked outrage after appearing to show a Muslim man being beaten and forced to eat cow dung by a group of individuals, in an incident that observers say reflects growing concerns about religiously motivated violence.

The footage, which circulated widely on social media, shows a group confronting the victim beside a vehicle reportedly carrying cattle. According to local Indian media reports, one of the main individuals seen in the video has been identified as Bipasha Manikam, a transgender person who activists say is associated with a Hindu militant outfit. Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the identities of all those involved.

In the 25-second clip, the victim is surrounded by several people who verbally abuse and slap him while he pleads to be released. At one point, the group appears to force cow dung into the man’s mouth, an act widely viewed in India as an extreme form of humiliation.

The video also contains remarks accusing Muslims of posting offensive messages online, suggesting the confrontation may have been linked to broader religious tensions. The victim repeatedly asks the group to stop during the assault.

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation online, with many users describing the attack as degrading and demanding legal action against those involved. Community members in Pune, a major city in Maharashtra state in western India, said the footage has caused fear and anger among local residents.

Legal experts note that forcing someone to eat cow dung and physically assaulting them could constitute serious criminal offenses under Indian law, including assault, intimidation and actions promoting communal hostility.

The controversy has also drawn attention to earlier allegations involving Manikam. In February, local reports said the same individual and a group of supporters confronted a Muslim-owned biryani restaurant in the Ambegaon Budruk area of Pune, demanding the business be shut down and allegedly threatening staff.

Residents and activists say the latest incident highlights the vulnerability of minority communities when attacks are recorded and spread online. Community leaders have called on authorities to investigate the video, identify those involved and ensure accountability.

Police have not yet released detailed information about arrests or formal charges related to the video. Officials are expected to examine the footage and determine whether criminal proceedings will follow.

Rights advocates say the case underscores broader concerns about communal tensions in parts of India and the need for swift legal action when incidents of public humiliation and violence emerge.