This case reflects a growing and dangerous pattern in India, where certain criminals misuse religious identities, particularly Islam, to protect themselves or to inflame public opinion against Muslims. Such tactics are not only unethical but also criminally irresponsible. They contribute to an already polarized environment, where the Muslim community frequently finds itself under suspicion for acts it has no connection with.
In a deeply disturbing 2023 case from Uttar Pradesh, police uncovered a shocking attempt by two Hindu men to deflect blame in a heinous crime by falsely using Islamic phrases in their ransom letter. The act not only exposed the extent of criminal deceit but also highlighted how certain individuals are deliberately trying to malign the image of Islam for their own protection or propaganda.
The Case of the Misused Phrase
The 2023 abduction and murder of a 15-year-old Dalit boy in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district took a sinister communal turn when the ransom note sent by the perpetrators included the Islamic phrase “Allahu Akbar.” According to UP Police, this was a deliberate attempt to mislead the investigation and create a false narrative that Muslims were behind the crime.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that both the accused, Santosh Kumar and Rameshwar Yadav, were from the Hindu community and had no links to any Islamic group or ideology. In fact, the use of “Allahu Akbar” was a calculated move to shift public attention, stir communal sentiments, and falsely frame an entire community.
Weaponizing Islam for Cover
Over the years, similar tactics have been observed in many fake “love jihad” and “cow slaughter” cases, where innocents were targeted, only for the truth to emerge much later. The narrative that Muslims are inherently involved in anti-national or violent acts is being crafted by some hate-mongers, and crimes like this help reinforce that false image.
But this time, the truth came out early thanks to a thorough police investigation. It exposes how some anti-social elements go to any length—even misusing sacred Islamic phrases—to save themselves and ruin the reputation of an entire faith.
Wider Pattern of Misuse
It’s important to note that this is just one example of misusing religious identity. Unfortunately, there are several such cases where individuals—regardless of their own faith—use Islamic terms or attire deliberately to frame Muslims or malign Islam in the eyes of society. This larger pattern of manipulation deserves strong condemnation and legal accountability.
Why the Silence?
One cannot help but notice the muted response from those who usually rush to label any incident involving Muslims as an act of extremism. When it turned out that the criminals were Hindu and the Islamic identity was faked, the outrage suddenly died down.
It raises a crucial question: Why is there no outrage when Islam is falsely blamed? Why aren’t political and media figures condemning the misuse of religious symbols for criminal gain? If such acts are not called out and punished sternly, they will only embolden more such criminals in the future.
Conclusion: Stop Using Religion to Justify Crime
Islam, like all major religions, promotes peace, justice, and humanity. It is shameful when people misuse its sacred terms to commit and cover up their crimes. Such acts not only damage interfaith harmony but also endanger innocent lives by provoking communal unrest.
Criminals must be punished not just for their crimes but also for attempting to spark communal tensions. And the public must be alert to these manipulations, understanding that a criminal is a criminal, regardless of the religion they falsely claim or try to implicate.
India needs unity and justice — not hatred disguised as religion.