Mob Storms Kargil War Veteran’s Family Home in Pune, Demands Citizenship Proof
Mob Storms Kargil War Veteran’s Family Home in Pune, Demands Citizenship Proof
Family of Army veteran branded ‘Bangladeshis’ by mob, forced to produce ID; police cite immigration tip-off, but allegations raise serious concerns
A chilling incident in Pune has raised alarm over rising vigilantism and the targeting of Indian citizens based on religion or appearance. Around midnight on July 26, a mob of 60 to 70 people stormed the home of a Kargil War veteran’s relatives in the Chandan Nagar area, hurling accusations that they were “Bangladeshis” and demanding proof of their Indian citizenship.
The family of Hakimuddin, a 58-year-old Army veteran who served in the 269 Engineer Regiment for 16 years and fought in the Kargil War, was shaken as they were allegedly harassed and taken to the police station for questioning. His nephew, Ahmad, recounted how plainclothes police officers stood by as the mob reportedly affiliated with Bajrang Dal, threatened them and demanded Aadhaar and ID documents late into the night.
“I fought for this country in Kargil. My family has shed blood for this nation. Why are we now being asked to prove we belong here?” Hakimuddin asked in anguish.
The family, originally from Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, has lived in Pune since 1960. Ahmad stated that his uncle moved to the city in 1961, followed by his elder brother in 1978. Ahmad himself has been living in Pune since 1996, running a transport business. The family submitted Army service records, pension documents, and other ID cards to the police to establish their nationality.
Police confirmed the operation was based on a tip-off about suspected illegal immigrants, but their version has drawn criticism. Deputy Commissioner of Police Somay Munde said the raid was part of a “combing operation” and added, “We were told some individuals were possibly from Assam. The information was not found to be true, but we’re still investigating.” He also stated that suspects often flee during the day, which is why the operation was conducted at night.
However, family members and civil society activists are questioning why a veteran’s family was subjected to such treatment, and whether the mob’s involvement was officially sanctioned. “We were told to prove our citizenship or risk being declared Bangladeshi or Rohingya,” said a relative, adding they were made to wait until 3 a.m. in the police station.
Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar acknowledged the presence of a crowd and said that “some actions of the crowd were prima facie objectionable.” He said it is still being investigated whether the mob gathered first or police arrived first, as both events occurred “almost simultaneously.”
The incident has sparked outrage. “In a peaceful city like Pune, where we’ve lived for 64 years, we never imagined this could happen,” Ahmad said. “We fought all the enemies of this country, and now we are being branded as outsiders?”
The family has since met the Pune Police Commissioner, demanding strict action against those responsible. Many citizens and activists are now calling for a transparent probe, warning that unchecked vigilantism threatens the fabric of India’s democracy and dignity of its soldiers.
This incident comes amid growing national anxiety over identity-based profiling, rising communal tensions, and allegations of misuse of power in immigration enforcement.
