Accused Kanwariya Harassing Minor Muslim Girl in Varanasi; Police File FIR Against Her Family Members
In the heart of Varanasi on July 28, 2025, a 16-year-old Muslim girl endured an harrowing ordeal. According to reports, she was harassed and assaulted by a group of Kanwariyas in Rajatalab, a bustling area of the city.
The incident unfolded at around 3 pm, when the girl was at her brother's footwear shop with her grandmother. Two to three Kanwariyas reportedly entered the shop, used lewd language, groped the girl, and flashed her before she managed to escape and run home. The men allegedly chased her wielding sticks, and one forcibly entered her house but was pulled out by onlookers who also beat him.
Following the incident, a large group of Kanwariyas, along with local Hindu organizations, assembled in support of the accused, blocking a stretch of the locality and reportedly carrying rods and sticks.
The case has since taken a complex turn. The police filed an FIR not only against the accused Kanwariyas but also against seven Muslims from the locality, including members of the girl’s family. This move has sparked concern among civil rights activists and local leaders, who have expressed worry over what they describe as "communal targeting" and "police bias."
Adding to local fears, residents say that the police have not taken any action against the accused Kanwariyas. In a controversial move, the police also invoked the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, alleging that the Muslim men who intervened when the Kanwariya entered the girl’s home were attempting to forcibly convert him to Islam.
The girl's family, however, vehemently denies these claims, calling them "baseless" and "absurd." They also allege that a bulldozer was brought into the narrow lane where their footwear shop is located, which they view as a form of intimidation by authorities.
By evening, the demonstration had brought traffic to a standstill, with the group chanting "Jai Shri Ram" and blocking off a one-kilometre stretch. The incident has caused a deep divide in the community, with many questioning the actions of the police and the accused Kanwariyas.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the initial harassment complaint, and no demolitions have taken place. The exact charges against the accused Kanwariyas or the allegations against the girl’s family have not been provided in the available information. Further details from official police reports or court proceedings would be required to clarify the exact charges and progress of the investigation.
- Despite the escalating tension in Varanasi following a religiously charged incident, it's crucial for the government to prioritize addressing issues of general-news importance, such as maintaining public health and promoting sports, to maintain social harmony.
- The complexities surrounding the case in Varanasi have not only sparked concerns about crime-and-justice and communal politics but also raised important questions about the integrity of the police, demanding increased transparency and accountability in their actions.
