Graffiti on UP highway: 'No Muslims Allowed' sparks probe
Graffiti stating 'This road is not for Muslims' appeared on the Delhi-Dehradun National Highway in Uttar Pradesh, leading to a police case and investigation. A video purportedly showing women spray-painting the message has also surfaced, with the Hindu Raksha Dal group admitting responsibility for the act.
Key Highlights
- Graffiti with anti-Muslim message found on UP highway.
- Police register case and launch probe into the incident.
- Video evidence shows women allegedly spray-painting the message.
- Hindu Raksha Dal claims responsibility for the graffiti.
- Incident raises concerns about communal harmony.
A disturbing incident of hate speech has emerged on the Delhi-Dehradun National Highway in Uttar Pradesh, where graffiti boldly declared 'This road is not for Muslims.' The appearance of this discriminatory message has prompted an immediate response from the authorities, with the police registering a case and launching a thorough investigation into the matter. Adding to the gravity of the situation, a video has surfaced which allegedly shows two women spray-painting the offensive statement onto the highway's railing. The Hindu Raksha Dal, a right-wing group, has publicly admitted to being responsible for the graffiti. Pinky Chaudhary, the president of the Hindu Raksha Dal, justified the act by stating that Muslims do not pay taxes and therefore have no right to use national highways. This justification further exacerbates concerns about the underlying motivations and the potential for increased communal tension. The graffiti was written in both Hindi ('Yeh sadak Musalmanon ke liye nahin hai') and English. The incident occurred near Saharanpur district in Uttar Pradesh. Authorities have since removed the offensive markings from the highway. The video of the incident, which shows women wearing saffron scarves, has gone viral on social media platforms, drawing widespread condemnation and concern. Several users have flagged the content as inflammatory and intended to incite communal tension. This incident is not isolated, as there have been previous instances of defacement of road signs with Muslim names and slogans promoting religious intolerance. The timing of this act, shortly before the Holi festival, has also raised concerns about its potential to disrupt communal harmony. The police are actively investigating the case, examining the video footage and working to identify all individuals involved. Additional forces have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order and to prevent any further escalation. The reported justification by the Hindu Raksha Dal leader highlights a worrying trend of open bigotry and the normalization of anti-Muslim sentiment in some sections of society. This incident underscores the broader issue of communal polarization in India and the need for stringent action against hate speech and discriminatory acts. The presence of saffron scarves, often associated with Hindu nationalist groups, in the video further links this act to larger Hindutva ideologies that have been documented to target minority communities. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities committed to ensuring accountability and maintaining peace. The Hindustan Times and other media outlets have reported on the incident, providing details of the graffiti, the police response, and the claims of responsibility from the Hindu Raksha Dal. The case has been registered under relevant sections of the law, and efforts are underway to apprehend those responsible. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges India faces in safeguarding its secular fabric and ensuring equal rights and dignity for all its citizens. The authorities are under pressure to address this incident decisively to prevent the recurrence of such hate crimes and to reassure the minority community. The investigation will likely focus on identifying the individuals in the video, tracing the origins of the spray paint, and understanding the organizational links of the Hindu Raksha Dal. The reports from various news outlets corroborate the core facts of the incident, including the content of the graffiti, the location, the police action, and the claims made by the Hindu Raksha Dal. The narrative of the Hindu Raksha Dal, linking road usage to tax payment by a specific community, is a clear manifestation of divisive rhetoric. This event has sparked discussions online and among civil society groups about the rise of intolerance and the need for stronger legal frameworks to combat hate speech and protect minority rights. The Uttar Pradesh police's swift registration of a case and their ongoing investigation indicate a commitment to addressing the situation, but the broader societal implications of such incidents require continuous attention and dialogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was written on the graffiti on the Delhi-Dehradun highway?
The graffiti on the Delhi-Dehradun National Highway read 'This road is not for Muslims' in English and 'Yeh sadak Musalmanon ke liye nahin hai' in Hindi.
Who claimed responsibility for the graffiti?
The Hindu Raksha Dal, a right-wing group, has claimed responsibility for the graffiti. Its president, Pinky Chaudhary, stated that Muslims do not pay taxes and thus have no right to use national highways.
What action has been taken by the police?
The police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. They are examining video footage and working to identify all individuals involved. The offensive markings have been removed from the highway.
When and where did this incident occur?
The incident occurred on the Delhi-Dehradun National Highway near Saharanpur district in Uttar Pradesh. Reports suggest the graffiti appeared on the night of February 26, 2026.