Muslim youth beaten to death in Delhi while filming video on Diwali night
Death of 22-year-old Salman after a brutal assault exposes rising intolerance and fear among India’s Muslims, as police face calls for impartial probe
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — A 22-year-old Muslim youth died after being beaten by a group of men in northeast Delhi while filming a short video during Diwali — one of Hinduism’s most celebrated festivals — deepening fears among India’s Muslims over growing hostility and violence.
According to a report by Clarion India, the incident took place near the Gagan Cinema flyover in the city’s Nand Nagri area on Diwali night. Police said the altercation began as a dispute between two groups but turned violent.
Salman, a scrap dealer by profession, suffered severe injuries and died two days later at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital. “My brother went out to make a short video with friends. We later received a call saying he was lying on the road, covered in blood. When we reached there, he was unconscious,” said Salman’s brother, Anan.
He alleged that his brother was assaulted by a group of local youths and that the police response was slow. “Those boys beat him mercilessly. His friends are giving conflicting statements, which makes us believe that they know more than they are telling,” he said.
Family members and residents of the neighborhood suspect Salman was targeted for being Muslim — a claim several locals echoed anonymously, fearing reprisal. Community members gathered outside GTB Hospital demanding a fair and transparent investigation, accusing authorities of inaction.
“We are tired of being treated like outsiders in our own country,” said Rashid Ali, a local social worker. “A boy was beaten to death on Diwali, and yet there is silence from those who talk about peace and unity.”
Police officials said the case was first filed under Section 110/3(5) of the Indian Penal Code but was later upgraded to Section 105 (culpable homicide) after Salman’s death. CCTV footage from nearby shops is being reviewed to identify the attackers. “We have formed multiple teams to trace and arrest the accused. The post-mortem report will clarify the cause of death,” a senior officer said.
Advocate Sameer Khan, a community activist, said: “This is not just a fight between two groups. This is a reflection of rising intolerance and lack of security for Muslims in Delhi.”
The incident has also renewed questions about police accountability and the growing trend of mob violence against Muslims over trivial matters. “A young man lost his life for making a reel. This shows how unsafe our youth have become,” said Asma Begum, a teacher from Sunder Nagri.
What was meant to be a night of celebration turned into one of grief. “He only wanted to enjoy Diwali like others,” Salman’s mother said, unable to hold back tears. “They took my son away from me for nothing.”
Rights advocates say the killing reflects a pattern of unchecked hostility toward Muslims in India, where community members continue to face discrimination, harassment, and violence with little accountability from the state.
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