Hyderabad: A total of 61 alleged hate crime incidents were reported across India in April, including 49 cases targeting Muslims, 10 involving Dalits and two concerning Christians, reflecting the continuation of religious and caste-based violence reported in recent months, according to data compiled by Siasat.com.
According to the report, Muslim women, children and elderly persons were among those most frequently affected, while Dalits also faced incidents ranging from physical assaults to social discrimination. In one instance, members of a minority community were allegedly pressured to leave a residential area.
April was politically significant, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing victories in Assembly elections in Assam and West Bengal. The report also highlighted concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, during which millions of names were reportedly removed from voter lists.
The month also saw continued debate over policies such as Uttar Pradesh’s “bulldozer justice” and Uttarakhand’s decision to dissolve its Madrasa Board from July.
Several incidents related to economic and social boycotts of Muslims, allegations of cow vigilantism and communal tensions were reported. Eyewear retailer Lenskart also became the subject of controversy after an old internal policy regarding the display of religious symbols by employees resurfaced online, triggering criticism and debate.
Among the cases that drew national attention was the murder of Roshan Khatoon during Ramzan. The release on bail of one of the accused and the public reception accorded to him generated widespread discussion and criticism.
In Delhi’s Tri Nagar area, some residents reportedly adopted pigs and organised public worship ceremonies as part of a campaign opposing what they described as demographic changes in the neighbourhood. In Noida, a Muslim couple was allegedly asked to produce identity documents by a resident inside a housing complex, sparking controversy and online abuse directed at those who defended them.
The report also referred to the case involving Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Nashik, where allegations of sexual harassment, coercion and attempted religious conversion were levelled against several employees. The matter remains under investigation, though it generated extensive public and media attention, particularly surrounding the arrest of HR executive Nida Khan.
The 10 incidents involving Dalits included allegations of caste-based discrimination, humiliation and violence. Reported cases included restrictions imposed during social and religious events, attacks on wedding processions and allegations of institutional discrimination.
In Kerala, a Dalit student allegedly died by suicide following claims of caste-based harassment. In Gujarat, Dalits attending a temple event were reportedly asked to bring their own utensils, while in Madhya Pradesh a Dalit groom was allegedly assaulted during his wedding procession.
The report also highlighted controversy in Goa after Gautam Khattar, founder of Sanatan Mahasangh, made remarks about St. Francis Xavier that led to public outrage, an FIR and legal action against him.
According to Siasat.com, incidents involving intimidation, discrimination, hate speech, social exclusion and violence continued to be reported across different parts of the country throughout April.
