Ramadan 2016: Elderly Hindu man beaten up in Pakistan for eating during Muslim holy month

A social media campaign has begun demanding justice

Gokal Das covered in blood after he was attacked for eating biryani (Pakistan votes/ Facebook)

An elderly Hindu man has been beaten by a constable in Pakistan for reportedly eating and selling food during Ramadan, the month considered holy by Muslims.

The victim, identified as Gokal Das, was reportedly eating biryani in public at around 6pm local time. The food was given to him as charity, reports the Express Tribune.

Conflicting reports say he is thought to be aged between 82 and 90.

Pictures of the blood-soaked man have circulated on social media, resulting in a campaign demanding justice.

Ali Hassan, the policeman accused of attacking Mr Das was taken into custody on Sunday on charges of torturing and injuring the man, according to Pakistan newspaper Dawn.

Hassan’s brother, Mir Hassan, is also accused of attacking Mr Das.

Police official Bacahl Qazi confirmed a case had been registered against both Hassans. “ We will seek remand of the two accused on Monday for further investigation,” he said.

He added the brothers had left Mr Das bleeding and he was driven to a hospital in Mirpur Mathelo where he was treated for his wounds.

The attack took place on Thursday in Pakistan’s rural district of Sindh in the south east of the country. Mr Das is a resident of Hayat Pitafi in a remote village, according to Indian news website DNA.