Eyewitnesses stated that the man, identified as Mohammed Shakil, was seated in the general compartment when a fellow passenger asked him about the contents of his bag. The situation quickly escalated when the man admitted to carrying meat, leading to accusations that it was beef, a meat banned in the state under the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act.
As the confrontation intensified, some passengers began hurling abuses and slapping the elderly man. Despite his repeated assurances that the meat was mutton, not beef, the mob continued to harass him. The situation worsened when a group of men from another compartment joined in the assault, dragging Shakil to the floor and kicking him repeatedly.
The attack reportedly continued for several minutes before the train reached the next station, where railway police were informed. The police intervened, rescuing the man and escorting him to the nearby station master's office for safety. However, by this time, Shakil had already suffered bruises and was visibly shaken by the incident.
Authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway. Initial reports suggest that the meat in question has been sent for testing to determine its origin. Meanwhile, the perpetrators, who fled the scene before the train reached its destination, are being traced based on descriptions provided by witnesses.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with civil rights groups and political leaders expressing concern over the rise in mob violence linked to religious and cultural issues. Several organizations have called for swift action against the attackers and urged the state government to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
Maharashtra has witnessed several similar incidents in the past few years, where individuals, particularly from minority communities, have been targeted over suspicions of carrying or consuming beef. The issue has been a contentious one, with many arguing that the ban on beef has led to a climate of fear and division.
The state's stringent laws on cattle slaughter have been cited as a contributing factor to the rising tensions. Under the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, the slaughter of cows is completely prohibited, and the possession and consumption of beef can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment.
Critics of the law argue that it has been used to target certain communities, leading to increased polarization and violence. They point to incidents like the one on the Devgiri Express as evidence of the dangers posed by such laws when combined with rising religious intolerance.
In the wake of this attack, there have been renewed calls for a review of the state's beef ban and for measures to protect individuals from mob violence. Human rights activists have emphasized the need for a more inclusive approach to law enforcement, one that respects the rights of all citizens regardless of their religious or cultural background.
The incident has also prompted discussions at the national level, with some lawmakers calling for federal intervention to address the broader issue of mob violence in the country. They argue that without strong and decisive action, such incidents will continue to undermine the social fabric of the nation.
As the investigation continues, there is growing pressure on the authorities to not only bring the perpetrators to justice but also to address the underlying issues that have led to a rise in such violent incidents. The state government has assured the public that it will take all necessary steps to ensure that justice is served and that such acts of violence are not tolerated in Maharashtra.