What should have been a usual taxi ride turned ugly for a retired Army officer after a telephone discussion on the Waqf Amentmend act, with the cab driver calling his associates to attack him. The shocking incident unfolded on 5th April and it has revived fears of growing intolerance and the threat of Islamic radicalisation. Colonel Suryapratap Singh, currently posted with the District Sainik Rehabilitation Welfare Board in Kanpur, was traveling from Kanpur to Lucknow when the incident took place. During the ride, Singh received a phone call and began discussing the ongoing debate surrounding the Waqf legislation with a friend.
While he was unaware of it, the cab driver—identified as Wasim – took offense to the conversation. Though he didn’t confront Singh immediately, Wasim reportedly contacted a group of acquaintances during the ride. At an unscheduled stop mid-route, Singh was allegedly pulled out of the vehicle and assaulted by the driver and several unidentified individuals.
After the attack, Singh registered a police complaint against Wasim and others, and the authorities lodged a First Information Report (FIR). The investigation is ongoing.
Colonel Suryapratap Singh also uploaded a video on social media describing the incident. In the video, he was seen injured and visibly disturbed and limping. He claimed he was targeted specifically for his comments about the Waqf Board— institution responsible for overseeing Islamic charitable endowments—which has recently been the subject of national controversy.
The video quickly gained traction online, with many users condemning the attack. To whitewash the crime, a section of netizens including Islamists have been attempting to cast aspersions alleging that Singh was under the influence of alcohol. While they have been trying to paint the allegations as false, Police have arrested two accused in this brutal assault case.
Additional Superintendent of Police, Unnao, Akhilesh Singh, has confirmed that Wasim and one of his associates, Anuj, have been arrested.
He added, “During questioning, Wasif and Anuj claimed that the retired officer was intoxicated. Further investigation is on.” Police are tracing other accused involved in the attack.
This case emerges as another in the series of increasingly aggressive reactions by certain sections over standard parliamentary procedures. It also puts into question whether simply having an opinion or even discussing your viewpoint among your own circle can be deemed incendiary by some sections who are then resorting to such drastic actions.
