Fact Check: Viral claim about Hindu Youth Harassing Muslim girl in Muzaffarnagar is misleading

A viral video circulating on social media shows a disturbing incident where a group of men surrounds a Muslim girl, pulls off her veil, and films her. It is being claimed that a Hindu youth harassed the girl in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar. Some posts allege that the accused should be punished for targeting the girl based on her religion.

Social media users have shared the video with the caption, ” In Muzaffarnagar, a Hindu youth removed the burqa of a Muslim girl, pulled her braid and even tried to take off her clothes. Six people have been arrested in this case. But who gave them the right to touch the girl? Such pups should be deported.”

Fact Check

Upon investigation, we found the claim to be misleading. A reverse image search of key frames from the viral video led us to several credible media reports detailing the incident.

According to Times of India’s report, the incident occurred in the Khalapar area of Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. A 20-year-old woman named Farheen and a man named Sachin were reportedly on their way to collect a loan installment when they were confronted by a group of 8–10 men. The attackers allegedly stripped the woman of her hijab and physically assaulted both individuals. A bystander filmed the incident, and the video was widely shared on social media, sparking public outrage.

Further clarification came from the Muzaffarnagar police through an official post, which included a newspaper clipping. The statement confirmed that the incident involved employees of Utkarsh Small Finance Bank who were assaulted while performing their duties. Police arrested six individuals—Sartaj (son of Iqbal), Shadab (son of Zakir), Mohammad Umar (son of Mohammad Shahzad), Arsh (son of Arshad), Shoaib (son of Irshad), and Shami (son of Ehsan)—all residents of the Khalapar area. Legal action was taken under appropriate sections of the law.

Additional reports from Jagran News, Outlook, and other sources corroborated the incident but did not support the viral claim that the attackers were Hindu. There is no evidence to suggest any communal motive behind the assault, contrary to the narrative being spread online.

Conclusion

The viral claim suggesting that Hindu youth harassed a Muslim girl in Muzaffarnagar is misleading. Verified reports and police statements confirm that the girl and her companion, both bank employees, were attacked by a group of Muslim men. The incident was not communal in nature, and six individuals have been arrested in connection with the assault.