Documenting Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim hate in India: January 2026

Staff Reporter
February 9, 2026

Major Incidents – January 2026

1. Sanatan Rashtra Mahotsav (Late December 2025-Early January 2026)

Date: December 13-14, 2025 (impacts carried into January 2026)
Location: Bharat Mandapam, Delhi
Type: Government-sponsored hate speech event

Details:
The two-day Sanatan Rashtra Sankhanad Mahotsav was organized by Save Culture Save Bharat Foundation and Sanatan Sanstha in association with the Union Ministry of Culture and Delhi Government’s Ministry of Tourism. The event featured demands for Hindu Rashtra, mass deportation of Muslims, forced conversions, and constitutional amendments to declare India a Hindu nation[3][4].

Key Speakers and Statements:

Suresh Chavhanke (Sudarshan News): Called Muslims “katmullahs” (derogatory slang) and demanded Modi stop all schemes benefiting Muslims, claiming this would facilitate ghar wapsi (reconversion). He advocated for National Register of Citizens (NRC) implementation to identify and expel “infiltrators”[3][4].
Ashwini Upadhyay (BJP leader, Supreme Court lawyer): Claimed “every year, five lakh sisters and daughters go missing” and alleged 1.5 lakh fall victim to “Love Jihad.” He called for restrictions on Muslims regarding marriage and children, stating “India is not your father’s property”[3][4].
Pradeep Bhandari (BJP spokesperson): Stated “demography is democracy’s destiny” while alleging the nation’s demography was changing due to Muslim population growth[4].

Government Involvement: Union ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Shripad Nayak, and Sanjay Seth, along with Delhi tourism minister Kapil Mishra, participated. All publicity material carried Union and Delhi government logos[3].

Source: Alt News (January 1, 2026), The Wire (January 1, 2026)
Links:

2. Rajasthan: Assault on Mentally Challenged Homeless Man

Date: January 1-2, 2026
Location: Jhalawar, Rajasthan
Type: Physical assault by cow vigilantes

Details:
A mentally challenged elderly homeless man was brutally assaulted by Bajrang Dal-affiliated cow vigilantes on suspicion of eating beef. The victim, found sitting near a dead cow carcass eating something, was attacked publicly in broad daylight[5][6].

Accused: Rakesh Rao, Ajay Pareta, and Rohan Sen were identified as perpetrators with Bajrang Dal connections who identified themselves as cow protectors[5].

Police Response: Local police confirmed the victim appeared to be mentally unstable and homeless, regularly wandering in the area. The attackers were later identified through social media profiles showing Bajrang Dal affiliation[5].

Source: Alt News (January 6, 2026)
Link: https://www.altnews.in/a-mentally-unstable-old-man-was-beaten-up-for-allegedly-eating-cow-meat-in-jhalawar-rajasthan/

3. Chhattisgarh: Bajrang Dal Attack on Bengali Muslim Workers

Date: January 5, 2026
Location: Surajpur district, Chhattisgarh
Type: Mob violence and assault

Details:
Eight Muslim migrant workers from West Bengal’s Purulia district were brutally attacked by 50-60 Bajrang Dal members at a bakery in Surajpur. The workers had been employed during peak production season. When they demanded their wages after completion of work, the factory owner refused payment and ordered them to leave. When workers insisted on their dues, Bajrang Dal members invaded the factory[7][8][9].

Victims: Sheikh Jasim (42), Sheikh Aslam (30), Sheikh Babi (23), Sheikh Julfikar (21), Sheikh Ismail (minor), Sheikh Minar (minor), Arbaz Kazi (minor), Sheikh Sahil (minor). One worker suffered a fractured right hand[7][8].

Accusations: Despite showing valid identification documents, workers were falsely labeled as “Bangladeshis” and assaulted[7][8][9].

Aftermath: Four adult workers returned to Chepri village, Purulia on January 7, 2026. Four minors were kept in government shelter home in Surajpur. Local police intervened to rescue victims[7][8].

Source: The Wire (January 10, 2026), Economic Times (January 5, 2026), Reddit India (January 12, 2026)
Links:

4. Uttar Pradesh: Threatening Pamphlets in Bhonkhera Village

Date: January 2, 2026 (pamphlet surfaced online)
Location: Bhonkhera village, Sikandrabad, Uttar Pradesh
Type: Hate propaganda and intimidation

Details:
A threatening pamphlet circulated in Bhonkhera village stating: “All Kathmullon [derogatory term for Muslims] vacate the village within 24 hours, otherwise you will be burnt alive.” The leaflet terrorized Muslim residents of the village[10][11].

Investigation: Maktoob Media tracked down the incident and reached out to residents who confirmed the pamphlet’s circulation caused widespread fear. Local residents, women, and families expressed terror regarding potential violence[10].

Source: Maktoob Media (January 8, 2026), Madhyamam Online (January 8, 2026)
Links:

Muslim properties have been targeted in the recent violence in Tripura

5. Tripura: Fatikroy Communal Violence and Mosque Attack

Date: January 10, 2026
Location: Saidarpar-Shimultala and Kumarghat, Fatikroy, Unakoti district, Tripura
Type: Communal violence, arson, mosque desecration

Details:
Widespread communal violence erupted following a dispute over religious donations for a Shiva temple. A timber-laden vehicle belonging to Masebbir Ali, a licensed trader, was stopped and donations demanded. When Ali stated he had limited funds, he was assaulted with sticks and approximately Rs 80,000 was allegedly snatched[12][13][14].

Violence Escalation: Groups raising “Jai Shri Ram” slogans moved through Muslim neighborhoods systematically attacking properties:

16 houses burnt or vandalized
3 shops destroyed
1 mosque attacked, set on fire, doors and windows broken
Holy Quran copies allegedly burnt
Multiple vehicles burnt (auto-rickshaws, tractors, dumpers)
Agricultural assets and cattle feed destroyed[12][13][14]

Victims: Asma Khatun (shop owner beaten when trying to stop fire), Mutasir Mia (lost 3 auto-rickshaws), Ajbor Ali (lost auto), Ali Ahmed (lost dumper truck), Mokaddas Ali (lost 2 tractors, cattle feed, poultry unit, injured)[12].

Police Response: Residents alleged police watched silently during violence. Section 163 of BNSS imposed. Few arrests made, but three Muslims from affected community also detained, fueling resentment[12][13].

Political Fallout: Minister Sudhanshu Das characterized incident as “clash between two groups,” drawing criticism. Opposition leaders accused BJP government of failing to protect minorities[12][13].

Source: Millat Times (January 12, 2026), People’s Democracy (January 31, 2026), Madhyamam Online (January 10, 2026)
Links:

6. India Hate Lab Report: 1,318 Hate Speech Events in 2025

Release Date: January 14, 2026
Scope: National-level documentation
Type: Comprehensive hate speech monitoring

Key Findings:

Total Events: 1,318 hate speech events targeting religious minorities documented across 21 states and Delhi in 2025[1][2][15].
Daily Average: Four hate speech events per day on average[1][2].
Increase: 13% increase from 2024 (1,165 incidents), 97% increase from 2023 (668 incidents)[1][2].
Muslim Targeting: 1,289 speeches (98%) targeted Muslims, either explicitly (1,156 cases) or alongside Christians (133 cases)[1][2][15].
Christian Targeting: 162 incidents (12%), representing 41% increase from 2024[1][2].

Geographic Distribution:

Uttar Pradesh: 266 incidents (highest)
Maharashtra: 193 incidents
Madhya Pradesh: 172 incidents
Uttarakhand: 155 incidents
Delhi: 76 incidents[1][2]

BJP-Ruled States: 1,164 incidents (88%) occurred in BJP-governed states or union territories, reflecting 25% increase from 2024[1][2][15].

Content Analysis:

Conspiracy Theories: 656 speeches (50%) referenced “love jihad,” “land jihad,” “population jihad,” etc.[1][2][15]
Violence Calls: 308 speeches (23%) contained explicit calls for violence[1][2][15]
Calls to Arms: 136 speeches directly called for arming[15]
Economic Boycotts: 120 speeches called for social/economic boycotts[1][2]
Worship Place Destruction: 276 speeches called for removal or destruction of mosques, shrines, churches[1][2]
Dehumanizing Language: 141 speeches used terms like “termites,” “parasites,” “insects,” “pigs,” “mad dogs,” “green snakes”[15]

Organizations Involved:

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal: Organized or facilitated 289 events (22%)[1][2]
Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP): 138 events[15]
Total Organizations: Over 160 organizations and informal groups identified[15]

Social Media Role: Videos from 1,278 events (97%) were first uploaded or live-streamed online:

Facebook: 942 uploads
YouTube: 246 uploads
Instagram: 67 uploads
X (Twitter): 23 uploads[15]

Source: India Hate Lab Report (January 13, 2026), The Wire (January 14, 2026), CJP (January 14, 2026)
Links:

7. Odisha: Lynching of Muslim Man by Cow Vigilantes

Date: January 14, 2026
Location: Balasore district, Odisha
Type: Mob lynching

Details:
Sheikh Makandar Mahammad (35), a mason from Astia village, was lynched by cow vigilantes while helping transport cattle on Makar Sankranti day. A pickup van travelling from Jayadeva Kasba was intercepted by a group who assaulted both the driver and Mahammad with deadly weapons and pipes[16][17][18].

Video Evidence: A purported video shows the mob forcing Mahammad to chant “Jai Shri Ram” and “Gau Mata Ki Jai” while beating him. Despite compliance, the assault continued[16][17][18].

Police Response: Initially, police registered an FIR related to the van accident without mentioning assault. Only after victim’s brother Sk Jitendar Mahammad filed a complaint was a second FIR registered under Section 103(2) of BNS (murder by mob)[16][17].

Accused: Five men were identified and questioned. Three were forwarded to court. The attackers were known to the victim, according to his brother[18].

Context: Rabi Behera, head of Odisha Milk Farmers’ Association, stated cow vigilante activities increased significantly since BJP government came to power in June 2024[17].

Source: New Indian Express (January 16, 2026), Sabrangindia (January 15, 2026), Alt News (January 17, 2026), The Wire (January 16, 2026)
Links:

Odisha: Muslim Van Helper Beaten to Death Over Cattle Suspicion

8. Jharkhand/West Bengal: Death of Migrant Worker Alauddin Sheikh

Date: January 15-16, 2026 (body found January 16)
Location: Vishrampur, Palamu district, Jharkhand
Type: Suspected murder/forced suicide of migrant worker

Details:
Md Alauddin Sheikh (36), also reported as 30 or 37 years old, a migrant worker from Sujapur, Murshidabad district, West Bengal, was found hanging in his rented room in Jharkhand where he worked as a scrap dealer/hawker[19][20][21].

Family Allegations: Family alleged he was beaten to death and body hung to appear as suicide. They claimed he was targeted for being a Bengali-speaking Muslim migrant worker[20][21].

Protests: News of his death triggered massive protests in Murshidabad’s Beldanga area:

National Highway 12 blocked for 5+ hours
Railway tracks blocked with wooden logs
Train services suspended (Krishnanagar-Lalgola line)
Victim’s body placed on highway by villagers demanding justice[20][21]

Violence: Protesters armed with bamboo sticks went on rampage, dismantling roadside banners, damaging shops near railway gate. At least 4-5 journalists, including women reporters, were severely attacked and hospitalized[20][21].

Political Response:

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee suggested protests were being manipulated for political gain, accused BJP of trying to incite unrest
Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari described scene as “lawlessness on full display”
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee contacted Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren demanding investigation
TMC MP Yusuf Pathan visited family on January 18, 2026[20][21]

Source: The Week (January 16, 2026), NDTV (January 15, 17, 2026), New Indian Express (January 17, 2026)
Links:

9. Raebareli: Virat Hindu Conference Calling for Muslim Genocide

Date: January 21, 2026
Location: Shivgarh, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh
Type: Hate speech event calling for genocide

Details:
The Virat Hindu Conference featured Hindutva influencers and local leaders who glorified the 1989 Bhagalpur riots, spoke approvingly of suspending law and order for 15 minutes, and urged killing, abduction, and demographic reduction of minority communities[22][23][24].

Key Speakers and Statements:

Riddhima Sharma:

Referenced lynching of Bangladeshi Hindu Dipu Chandra Das
Called for violence: “If they kill two of yours, you kill 100 people in retaliation for peace”
On “love jihad”: “If one Hindu woman leaves with a Muslim man, Hindus should make 100 women from Muslim families leave in return”
Stated reducing Muslim population posed no issue due to its size[22][23][24]

Khushboo Pandey:

Requested 15 minutes to speak about massacring Muslims
Referenced 1989 Bhagalpur massacre stating: “We kill them, bury them, and then grow cauliflower on top”[22][23]

Thakur Ram Singh:

Accused Christians of engaging in illegal forced conversions
Portrayed Christians as systematically taking over Hindu groups across India[22]

Unidentified Speaker:

Urged residents to remain vigilant in neighborhoods
Warned not to allow Hindu women/girls to be taken away by people labeled as “jihadis”[22]

Police Response: Despite video evidence circulating widely on social media, no immediate FIR was filed. Only after former journalist Prashant Kanojia submitted formal written complaint on January 23 and sustained public pressure via social media campaign was an FIR finally registered on January 27—five days after the event[22][23].

FIR Details: Named Daksh Chaudhary, Riddhima Sharma, Prakash Singh, Akku Pandit, Abhishek Thakur, Khushboo Pandey, and others. No arrests made at time of reporting[22][23].

Background on Speakers:

Riddhima Sharma: Recently uploaded video harassing Muslim temple employee
Khushboo Pandey: Previously led rallies calling for violence against Muslims, publicly asserting “right to bear arms,” often under police escort without cases being registered[22]

Source: CJP (January 27, 2026), Siasat (January 26, 2026), NewsGram (January 25, 27, 2026), Radiance News (January 23, 2026)
Links:

10. West Bengal: Two Migrant Workers Found Dead

Date: January 22-24, 2026
Location: Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu/Kerala
Type: Suspected murder of migrant workers

Incident 1 – Manjur Alam Laskar:

Victim: Manjur Alam Laskar (32), from Usthi, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
Location: Komarolu village, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh
Details: Allegedly beaten to death by right-wing Hindutva goons. Working in Andhra Pradesh for nearly a decade. On Tuesday, family received call demanding Rs 25,000 with threat of killing. Family transferred Rs 6,000. Next day, caller informed them Alam was dead[25][26].
Allegation: Elder brother Giyasuddin Laskar (local panchayat vice-president) alleged he was targeted on suspicion of being Bangladeshi because he was Bengali-speaking Muslim[25][26].

Incident 2 – Alamgir Mondal:

Victim: Alamgir Mondal/Alam (29), from Harishchandrapur, Malda district, West Bengal
Location: Near railway tracks in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (body found)
Details: Left for Chennai about a month ago, leaving wife and two children. Eight days ago, reportedly secured job in Hyderabad. Last spoke to wife on January 14 before boarding train, then went missing. Body found January 22 near railway track close to Chennai station[25][26].
Family Suspicion: Suspects he was killed and body dumped beside track[25][26].

Context: At least five people, including four Muslims and one Dalit, were murdered in 2025 after being accused by assailants of being ‘Bangladeshis’ and ‘illegal immigrants'[25].

Source: Maktoob Media (January 23, 2026), Times of India (January 22, 2026), New Indian Express (January 13, 2026)
Links:

11. Uttar Pradesh: Conversion Case Against Muslim Girls Reopened

Date: January 22-24, 2026
Location: Bilari, Moradabad district, Uttar Pradesh
Type: Discriminatory legal action

Details:
A case alleging religious conversion resurfaced weeks after police had cleared the case. An FIR was registered under Sections 3 and 5(1) of the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, against five Muslim schoolgirls (minors aged 15-17) for allegedly forcing their 16-year-old Hindu friend to wear a burqa[27][28][29].

Incident Date: December 12 or 20, 2025
FIR Date: January 22, 2026 (came to light late January)
Complaint Filed By: Daksh/Devesh Chaudhary, victim’s brother[27][28][29]

Allegations:

Five Muslim girls attending same school (Class 12) and tuition allegedly pressured Hindu girl to wear burqa
Complainant alleged girls tried to “brainwash” his sister, created aversion to Hinduism
Alleged girls mixed something in sister’s food at restaurant after which she didn’t listen to elders
CCTV footage from December showed incident in Shahkunj Colony lane[27][28][29]

Legal Context: Under the Act, if convicted (especially as victim is minor), accused can face rigorous imprisonment of 5-14 years[27][28].

Contradictions: Maktoob Media noted police had earlier closed similar investigation, with records confirming no real threats from villagers; pamphlets were likely planted to gain sympathy and political mileage[29].

Police Statement: SP (Rural) Kunwar Akash Singh: “As soon as we received complaint, FIR was registered and further investigation is on”[27][28].

Source: Maktoob Media (January 24, 2026), Awaz The Voice (January 23, 2026), Times of India (January 23, 2026), New Indian Express (January 24, 2026)
Links:

12. Uttarakhand: Vandalism of Baba Bulleh Shah Shrine

Date: January 24-26, 2026
Location: Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Type: Shrine desecration and vandalism

Details:
The over 100-year-old shrine (mazaar) dedicated to 18th-century Sufi poet Baba Bulleh Shah at Wynberg Allen Estate was vandalized by 25-30 members of Hindu Raksha Dal. Using hammers and crowbars, they damaged structures, destroyed religious books, and one member urinated on shrine wall[30][31][32].

Incident Details:

Occurred around 6:45 PM on Saturday, January 24, 2026
Group chanted “Jai Shri Ram” while vandalizing interior
Donation box, silver crowns, lamps, and other items stolen
Religious books damaged[30][31][32]

Hindu Raksha Dal Response: State chief Lalit Sharma admitted responsibility, claiming: “This is Devbhoomi, and we will not tolerate a mazaar of anyone whose tomb is in Pakistan. It has been here for only 100 years, and Sanatan Dharma has existed for thousands of years, so it was an encroachment. We had announced two days ago that we would vandalise it”[31].

Prior Threats: Committee managing shrine stated threats to damage shrine had been made before attack, urged authorities to maintain communal harmony[30].

FIR Details: Registered January 25 by Akram Khan under Sections 196(1)(b) (promoting enmity between groups) and 298 (defiling place of worship) of BNS. Named three accused: Hariom, Shivau/Shivaun, and Shraddha, plus unidentified persons[30][31].

Context: Same outfit (Hindu Raksha Dal) had threatened Muslims from Kashmir to “leave Uttarakhand or they will teach them a lesson” following Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025[31].

About Baba Bulleh Shah (1680-1757): Renowned Punjabi Sufi saint, poet, philosopher known for kafis challenging religious orthodoxy, caste divisions, promoting love and unity. His tomb in Kasur, Pakistan draws devotees worldwide[32].

Source: The Quint (January 26, 2026), Hindustan Times (January 25, 2026), Muslim Network TV (January 26, 2026), Maktoob Media (January 26, 2026), Indian Express (January 28, 2026)
Links:

13. Uttarakhand: APCR Report on Targeted Violence

Date: January 21 and 31, 2026 (reports released)
Location: Uttarakhand (multiple areas)
Type: Fact-finding report on communal violence

Details:
The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) released fact-finding reports documenting pattern of targeted violence against Muslims, discriminatory policing, and politically-driven violence in Uttarakhand[33][34].

Key Findings:

Documented pattern of targeted violence against Muslims
Evidence of discriminatory policing practices
Recent incidents show Adivasi, Muslim, and Dalit communities targeted through politically-driven violence[33][34]

Source: Maktoob Media (January 21, 31, 2026)
Links:

14. India: Report on Extrajudicial Killings of Muslims

Date: January 11, 2026 (report released)
Scope: National
Type: Documentation of extrajudicial killings

Details:
At least 50 extrajudicial killings of Muslims reported in India in 2025:

23 killings by state actors
27 killings by non-state actors
2 cases of Muslims taking their lives following violence/harassment by Hindu extremists[35]

Source: Maktoob Media (January 11, 2026)
Link: https://maktoobmedia.com/india/at-least-50-extrajudicial-killings-of-muslims-reported-in-india-in-2025-23-by-state-actors-27-by-non-state-actors-says-tracker/

15. Assam: Chief Minister’s Anti-Muslim Hate Speech and Disenfranchisement Campaign

Date: January 27, 2026 (primary statements); Complaint filed late January/early February 2026
Location: Assam (statewide)
Type: State-sponsored hate speech, mass disenfranchisement, criminal intimidation

Details:
Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam and senior BJP leader, made public statements at official events explicitly targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims, threatening mass disenfranchisement, harassment, and administrative exclusion[36].

Key Statements by CM Sarma (January 27, 2026):

Openly referred to Bengali-speaking Muslims using the derogatory term “Miyas”
Stated his government was prepared to “trouble,” “harm,” and “make suffer” members of the community
Claimed “400,000 to 500,000 Miya voters” would be removed from electoral rolls
Declared it was his responsibility to ensure hardship for the community so they would “leave Assam”
Admitted directing BJP party members to file objections against Bengali-speaking Muslims during voter list revision
Told reporters: “We are ensuring that they cannot vote in Assam”[36]

Context:
While the Election Commission of India conducts Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls nationwide, Assam is undergoing a separate revision exercise. Sarma indicated that future intensive revision would be weaponized to remove hundreds of thousands of Muslim voters, signalling indifference to legal or constitutional constraints[36].

Legal Action:
Harsh Mander, prominent human rights activist and former civil servant, filed a police complaint at a police station in New Delhi seeking registration of criminal case under multiple provisions of India’s Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (new criminal code)[36].

Charges Sought:

Incitement to discrimination
Criminal intimidation
Abuse of official authority
Incitement to hostility against protected group
Threatening constitutional rights (right to vote, livelihood)
Endangering communal harmony and public order[36]

Legal Argument:
Mander’s complaint argues that statements delivered by a sitting chief minister at official events carry the authority of the state and risk emboldening both officials and private actors to engage in unlawful discrimination. The complaint states that calling for collective punishment and disenfranchisement of a religious and linguistic minority constitutes cognizable criminal offences under Indian law, making registration of police case mandatory[36].

Pattern of Behavior:
Sarma has a long record of inflammatory rhetoric directed at Muslims in Assam, where citizenship, migration, and voter eligibility have been politically weaponized for years. Rights groups identify his remarks as part of broader pattern where state power legitimizes exclusion and normalizes hate under administrative processes[36].

Significance:
This represents one of the most explicit cases of a state chief minister openly advocating for mass disenfranchisement and systematic persecution of a religious minority, using official state mechanisms and authority to target Muslims.

Source: Muslim Network TV (January/February 2026)
Link: https://www.muslimnetwork.tv/indian-states-cm-faces-police-complaint-over-anti-muslim-remarks/

References

[1] The Wire. (2026, January 14). India Saw 1318 Hate Speech Events in 2025; 98% of Them Targeted Muslims: India Hate Lab Report. https://thewire.in/communalism/india-saw-1318-hate-speech-events-in-2025-98-of-them-targeted-muslims-india-hate-lab-report

[2] Maktoob Media. (2026, January 12). Over 1300 hate speech incidents against Muslims, Christians in India in 2025, says report. https://maktoobmedia.com/india/over-1300-hate-speech-incidents-against-muslims-christians-in-india-in-2025-says-report/

[3] Alt News. (2026, January 1). Sanatan Rashtra Mahotsav: In a New Low, Union Culture Ministry, Delhi Govt Sponsor Event Inciting Islamophobia. https://www.altnews.in/sanatan-rashtra-mahotsav-in-a-new-low-union-culture-ministry-delhi-govt-sponsor-event-inciting-islamophobia/

[4] The Wire. (2026, January 1). Sanatan Rashtra Mahotsav: In a New Low, Union Culture Ministry, Delhi Govt Sponsor Event Inciting Islamophobia. https://thewire.in/communalism/sanatan-rashtra-mahotsav-in-a-new-low-union-culture-ministry-delhi-govt-sponsor-event-inciting-islamophobia

[5] Alt News. (2026, January 6). Cow vigilantes from Bajrang Dal assault ‘mentally challenged’ homeless man in Rajasthan. https://www.altnews.in/a-mentally-unstable-old-man-was-beaten-up-for-allegedly-eating-cow-meat-in-jhalawar-rajasthan/

[6] Alt News Hindi. (2026, January 6). गौ मांस खाने के आरोप में राजस्थान के झालावाड़ में बजरंग दल से जुड़े गौ रक्षकों ने मानसिक रूप से अस्थिर व्यक्ति को पीटा. https://www.altnews.in/hindi/a-mentally-unstable-old-man-was-beaten-up-for-allegedly-eating-cow-meat-in-jhalawar-rajasthan/

[7] Economic Times. (2026, January 5). At least eight migrant workers from West Bengal assaulted in Chhattisgarh, say sources. https://economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/at-least-eight-migrant-workers-from-west-bengal-assaulted-in-chhattisgarh-say-sources/articleshow/117008093.cms

[8] New Indian Express. (2026, January 6). Eight Muslim Bengali migrant labourers allegedly attacked by Bajrang Dal workers in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Jan/06/eight-muslim-bengali-migrant-labourers-allegedly-attacked-by-bajrang-dal-workers-in-chhattisgarhs-raipur

[9] Reddit India. (2026, January 12). Bengali Muslim Workers Allegedly Attacked by Bajrang Dal in Chhattisgarh Factory. https://www.reddit.com/r/india/comments/1qam4zj/bengali_muslim_workers_allegedly_attacked_by/

[10] Maktoob Media. (2026, January 8). ‘Leave in 24 hours or be burnt alive’: Inside pamphlet threat that terrorised Muslims in UP’s Bhonkhera village. https://maktoobmedia.com/india/leave-in-24-hours-or-be-burnt-alive-inside-pamphlet-threat-that-terrorised-muslims-in-ups-bhonkhera-village/

[11] Madhyamam Online. (2026, January 8). Pamphlet threatening Muslims terrorises UP’s Bhonkhera village. https://madhyamamonline.com/india/pamphlet-threatening-muslims-terrorises-ups-bhonkhera-village-1484583

[12] Millat Times. (2026, January 12). From a donation drive to burning homes: How communal violence unfolded in Tripura’s Fatikroy. https://millattimes.com/from-a-donation-drive-to-burning-homes-how-communal-violence-unfolded-in-tripuras-fatikroy/

[13] People’s Democracy. (2026, January 31). Shimultala Communal Violence Shows the Naked Face of Barbaric Rule: Chaudhury. https://peoplesdemocracy.in/2026/0201_pd/shimultala-communal-violence-shows-naked-face-barbaric-rule-chaudhury

[14] Madhyamam Online. (2026, January 10). Tripura: Communal violence erupts over temple subscription, mosque damaged. https://madhyamamonline.com/india/tripura-communal-violence-erupts-over-temple-subscription-mosque-damaged-1485125

[15] India Hate Lab. (2026, January 13). Report 2025: Hate Speech Events in India. https://indiahatelab.com/2026/01/13/hate-speech-events-in-india-2025/

[16] New Indian Express. (2026, January 16). Odisha Mob Lynching: Muslim Man Killed by Cow Vigilantes in Balasore. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2026/Jan/16/odisha-mob-lynching-muslim-man-killed-by-cow-vigilantes-in-balasore

[17] Sabrangindia. (2026, January 15). Odisha: Man forced to chant religious slogan, lynched by cow vigilantes. https://sabrangindia.in/odisha-man-forced-to-chant-religious-slogan-lynched-by-cow-vigilantes/

[18] Alt News. (2026, January 17). Balasore horror: Cow vigilantes who ‘lynched’ Makandar Mohammad were known to him. https://www.altnews.in/balasore-horror-cow-vigilantes-who-lynched-makandar-mohammad-were-known-to-him/

[19] The Week. (2026, January 16). Bengal worker found hanging in room in Jharkhand’s Palamu. https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2026/01/16/bengal-worker-found-hanging-in-room-in-jharkhands-palamu.html

[20] NDTV. (2026, January 15). Highway Blocked After Migrant Worker’s Death Triggers Protests In Bengal. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/highway-blocked-after-migrant-workers-death-triggers-protests-in-bengal-10764106

[21] New Indian Express. (2026, January 17). Protests erupt in Bengal’s Beldanga after killing of migrant worker in Jharkhand. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Jan/17/protests-erupt-in-bengals-beldanga-after-killing-of-migrant-worker-in-jharkhand

[22] Citizens for Justice and Peace. (2026, January 27). ‘Fifteen Minutes is Enough’: How hate speech at a Raebareli conference forced a reluctant FIR. https://cjp.org.in/fifteen-minutes-is-enough-how-hate-speech-at-a-raebareli-conference-forced-a-reluctant-fir/

[23] Siasat. (2026, January 26). FIR registered against 7 for hate speech comments in UP’s Raebareli. https://www.siasat.com/fir-registered-against-7-for-hate-speech-comments-in-ups-raebareli-3332448/

[24] NewsGram. (2026, January 26). Hindutva Influencers Khushbu Pandey and Riddhi Sharma Call for Muslim Massacre at Raebareli Hate Speech Event. https://www.newsgram.com/human-rights/2026/01/26/hindutva-influencers-muslim-massacre-raebareli-hate-speech

[25] Maktoob Media. (2026, January 23). Bengal migrant allegedly killed in AP after being labelled ‘Bangladeshi’; another worker found dead in Chennai. https://maktoobmedia.com/india/bengal-migrant-allegedly-killed-in-ap-after-being-labelled-bangladeshi-another-worker-found-dead-in-chennai/

[26] Times of India. (2026, January 22). 2 Bengal migrant workers found dead in AP, Kerala. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/2-bengal-migrant-workers-found-dead-in-ap-kerala/articleshow/127191972.cms

[27] Awaz The Voice. (2026, January 23). UP: FIR filed against 5 Muslim girls in Moradabad. https://www.awazthevoice.in/india-news/up-fir-filed-against-muslim-girls-in-moradabad-49393.html

[28] Times of India. (2026, January 23). FIR against 5 Muslim minors for ‘making’ Hindu girl wear burqa. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/5-girls-booked-under-up-anti-conversionlaw-for-making-hindu-friend-wear-burqa/articleshow/117506857.cms

[29] Maktoob Media. (2026, January 24). UP Police reopen conversion probe against Muslim girls weeks after clearing case, contradicting own findings. https://maktoobmedia.com/india/up-police-reopen-conversion-probe-against-muslim-girls-weeks-after-clearing-case-contradicting-own-findings/

[30] The Quint. (2026, January 26). Sufi Poet Baba Bulleh Shah’s Shrine Vandalised In Mussoorie; FIR Filed. https://www.thequint.com/news/breaking-news/sufi-poet-baba-bulleh-shahs-shrine-vandalised-in-mussoorie-fir-filed

[31] Hindustan Times. (2026, January 25). Mussoorie’s 100-year-old sufi shrine desecrated, case filed. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mussoories-100-year-old-sufi-shrine-desecrated-case-filed-101769365753621.html

[32] Indian Express. (2026, January 28). Bulleh Shah’s shrine vandalised in Mussoorie. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/bulleh-shah-shrine-mussoorie-10499499/

[33] Maktoob Media. (2026, January 21). APCR report flags pattern of targeted violence against Muslims, discriminatory policing in Uttarakhand. https://maktoobmedia.com/india/apcr-report-flags-pattern-of-targeted-violence-against-muslims-discriminatory-policing-in-uttarakhand/

[34] Maktoob Media. (2026, January 31). Report finds Adivasi, Muslim, and Dalit communities targeted through politically-driven violence in Uttarakhand. https://maktoobmedia.com/india/report-finds-adivasi-muslim-and-dalit-communities-targeted-through-politically-driven-violence-in-uttarakhand/

[35] Maktoob Media. (2026, January 11). At least 50 extrajudicial killings of Muslims reported in India in 2025: 23 by state actors, 27 by non-state actors, says Tracker. https://maktoobmedia.com/india/at-least-50-extrajudicial-killings-of-muslims-reported-in-india-in-2025-23-by-state-actors-27-by-non-state-actors-says-tracker/

[36] Muslim Network TV. (2026, January/February). Indian state’s CM faces police complaint over anti-Muslim remarks. https://www.muslimnetwork.tv/indian-states-cm-faces-police-complaint-over-anti-muslim-remarks/

Report Compiled: January 31, 2026
Sources: The Wire, Indian Express, Telegraph, Maktoob Media, The Observer Post, The Clarion, Alt News, The Hindu, @zoo_bear (Mohammed Zubair) Twitter, India Hate Lab, CJP, Siasat, Millat Times, NewsGram, and other verified news sources

Note: This documentation represents incidents that could be verified through multiple credible sources. The actual number of incidents may be higher, as many go unreported or undocumented.

Compiled by: Muhammed Shamil