Muslim man beaten to death in India for refusing to play Holi
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — A 48-year-old Muslim man was beaten to death in northern India after he refused to take part in Holi, the country’s Hindu festival of colors, raising fresh concerns over rising violence and religious intolerance in India.
The victim, identified as Sharif, was on his way to a mosque in Unnao district when a group of Hindu men threw colors at him as part of the Holi celebration. When Sharif objected, witnesses say, the men attacked him. Though bystanders later tried to help, Sharif collapsed and died shortly afterwards.
Sharif had recently returned from Saudi Arabia, where he worked as a driver. The incident has triggered protests in his hometown, with residents demanding the arrest of the attackers.
Police have claimed Sharif died of cardiac arrest and that no injury marks were found — a statement locals strongly dispute.
Festival of colors turns violent
Sharif’s killing reflects a growing trend in India, where Holi has become a tool to target Muslims under the guise of celebration.
Each year, viral videos show Holi mobs attacking Muslim families — especially women — dousing them with water and color despite their pleas to stop.
In recent years it has increasingly become a pretext for violence against Muslims, especially when they refuse to participate in the festivities.
In several towns this year, including Aligarh and Sambhal, local authorities covered mosques with tarpaulins to prevent mobs from throwing colors on the sacred buildings — a sign of growing fear among Muslim communities.
Statements from officials have further exacerbated tensions. In Sambhal, a police officer advised Muslims to stay indoors during Holi to avoid conflicts, a directive criticized for restricting religious freedom and placing the onus on victims rather than the aggressors.
Violence affecting all communities
Alarmingly, Holi-related violence has also affected Hindus. In Rajasthan, a 25-year-old Dalit man was beaten to death for refusing to play Holi. In Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad, a Hindu man was shot by his friend after declining to participate in Holi celebrations.
These incidents indicate a troubling trend where a festival meant to celebrate unity and joy has devolved into a catalyst for violence, coercion, and religious intolerance.
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