HYDERABAD: A 17-year-old Muslim boy was allegedly thrashed by over 40 members for refusing to chant ‘Jai Shree Ram’. The incident took place amid a Bonalu procession in the Old City’s Charmahal area in Hyderabad. At least 14 people were identified in connection with the incident.

The incident occurred on Thursday. According to reports, some members of the procession applied tilak on the youth’s forehead and asked him to chant ‘Jai Shree Ram’. He refused to do so, was abused and thrashed by a 40-member crowd. About 14 people were identified during the investigation conducted by the Charminar police, following a complaint lodged by the youth’s relatives. The accused were booked for wrongful restraint, causing hurt and provocation by hurling insults. An investigation into the incident is underway.