A boy was ‘heard’ cheering Pakistan and his family lost everything. Is this justice?

Mihir DesaiTIMESOFINDIA.COM
Mar 10, 2025 | 09:38 IST
Illustration: AI

What does it mean for our country that a boy is beaten up, his parents are arrested and his home and father's shop bulldozed just for praising another country's team?

The events from February 23 onwards at Malvan, Maharashtra, are shocking but not surprising. As the narrative goes, Sachin Varadkar, a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) member overheard a 15-year-old Muslim boy cheering Pakistan’s performance during the recent Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan.

Soon after, Varadkar allegedly gathered 50-60 men and attacked the boy’s house, beat him up and used strong words against the father. He then registered a complaint at the local police station against the boy and his family for raising “anti-national” slogans.
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