What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
The celebrations of Deepawali and Kali Puja in 2026 were marred by a disturbing series of attacks against Hindus by Islamists across India. A compilation of 10 documented atrocities records 33 Hindu victims of violence and intimidation. 2 young Hindu men were murdered and over 2 dozen Hindus were injured during these attacks.
One recurring flashpoint was the bursting of firecrackers. Disputes over firecrackers featured in six of the ten documented atrocities, with Hindu families facing threats and physical violence during festivities.
Hindus were targeted in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. Taken together, they present a deeply troubling picture of attacks on Hindu individuals, families, religious celebrations and places of worship.
Faizan, Rehan and four to six other Muslim men attacked a Hindu family following an argument over bursting firecrackers in Uttam Nagar of Delhi.
During the assault, a young male member of the family was stabbed repeatedly and shot at. Fortunately, the bullet missed him. The injured youth was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.
A clash in Jamui village left ten people injured after Majibullah Ansari and his family members objected to Hindus bursting firecrackers in front of a Lakshmi pratima at Lallan Rai’s residence on 9th November.
The confrontation escalated into violence, turning a neighbourhood celebration into a scene of injuries and unrest.
19-year-old Aditya Batham, his mother and sister were assaulted in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh on Deepawali night.
The attackers, identified as Faisal, Zubair and their associates, launched the assault after Faisal and Zubair’s father had objected to Deepawali celebrations.
Beef was thrown into Shri Maharshi Valmiki Temple in Malad West of Mumbai, from a nearby building on Deepawali.
Local residents accused the police of failing to even register an FIR, raising serious questions about the response of law-enforcement authorities to the desecration.
Santosh More was stabbed to death by Shahid and his associates on Deepawali night in Surat of Gujarat.
Santosh was bursting firecrackers alongside children when the attack took place.
A minor Hindu girl celebrating Deepawali in Uyyuru town of Andhra Pradesh, was harassed by local Islamist men under the pretext that she was bursting firecrackers near a mosque on 11th November.
Her family was subsequently attacked as well.
Rohit was stabbed to death while purchasing a Deepawali gift for his daughter in Badaun of Uttar Pradesh on 8th November. The attackers were identified as shopkeeper Rais Ahmad and his sons.
A father returning home with a present for his daughter never got the opportunity to give it to her.
Mainuddin Sardar, Najrul Sardar, Majid Ali Molla and nine to ten other individuals attacked Hindus performing Kali Puja in Gagramri village under South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal On 8 November.
The attackers assaulted five people and vandalised the pratima of Maa Kali.
On 8th November, a Hindu family was first threatened and subsequently attacked by their Muslim neighbours for celebrating Kali Puja and bursting firecrackers in Raria village under North Dinajpur district of West Bengal.
Hindu worshippers constructing a Puja mandap were attacked by an Islamist mob with stones, sticks and bladed weapons in Jangipara village under Hooghly district of West Bengal.
At least ten Hindus, including a woman, sustained injuries.
Deepawali and Kali Puja are occasions of devotion, family gatherings and celebration. Nobody should face threats, harassment or physical violence for exercising his or her religious freedom.
As of the day of reporting, no decisive action has been taken in at least 5 of the 10 documented attacks. Law-enforcement authorities must investigate every incident, identify all perpetrators, register appropriate cases, protect victims and ensure that those responsible face the full force of the law.
A festival of light must not become an occasion for darkness, fear and bloodshed.
