National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled Condemns Killing of Mohammad Isar in Delhi's Sundar Nagari

New Delhi: The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) has issued a strong condemnation following the tragic killing of 26-year-old Mohammad Isar in Delhi's Sundar Nagari on September 26. 

According to initial reports, Isar, a disabled individual, was brutally tied to a pillar and fatally beaten for allegedly consuming prasad (holy offering) at a local temple in the area. This shocking incident underscores a disturbing trend where disabled individuals are targeted based on their religious identity, posing a grave threat to their safety and well-being.

This distressing incident marks the third such killing of a disabled person reported by national media this year. On February 25, Mohammad Faiyaz, a Muslim youth with mental health issues, was beaten to death by a mob in Bihar's Samastipur. In a similarly horrifying incident on June 27, 55-year-old Zahiruddin, a disabled truck driver, fell victim to a lynching by a mob of cow vigilantes in Bihar's Saran district.

Tragically, these incidents are not isolated. Last year in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, Banwarlal Jain, an elderly person with a disability, lost his life after a brutal attack driven by suspicion related to his religious identity. These incidents are symptomatic of a sustained and toxic campaign of hatred that has been festering.

Police said they had arrested six persons- Kamal (23); his brother Manoj (19); his employee Yunus (20); Kishan (19), a labourer; Pappu (24), a factory worker; and Lucky, who runs a momo stall- and apprehended a minor, aged 17, in connection with the murder of Isar Mohammad.

While some arrests have been made in connection with these incidents, the NPRD calls for a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served. Furthermore, the organisation emphasises the importance of providing adequate compensation to the victim's family to help them cope with the loss and trauma they have endured.