MT Desk: Muslim worshippers were assaulted outside a mosque in Naura village, Bihar’s Nawada district, as they left after prayers. The attackers also damaged closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed on the mosque premises.

Local residents and a police statement reported that the incident involved an attack on Muslim worshippers by men from a neighboring village. The CCTV cameras installed on the mosque premises were also vandalized.

Residents said the mosque’s imam had repeatedly been harassed and threatened and that his bicycle had been stolen. They further said that threats had been issued to blow up the mosque with a bomb.

“They threatened us, abused us and said that they would blow up this mosque with a bomb and shoot us,” a local resident told the media.

According to residents, the attackers assaulted Muslim worshippers as they were leaving the mosque after offering prayers. They further said that some local Hindus who opposed the attack were also targeted by the outsiders. An elderly resident said that the local sarpanch had also been threatened during the incident.

“We were leaving the mosque after offering prayers when some Hindus from a neighboring village came and assaulted the worshippers. They also threatened the local sarpanch. We live in peace and harmony here and have never had a confrontation with local Hindus,” the resident said.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Muslim worshippers and the protection of religious places in BJP-ruled Bihar. The reported assault, damage to mosque property and threats warrant a thorough and impartial investigation. The authorities must ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law and that members of all communities can practice their religion without fear of intimidation or violence.