Now, Muslims are facing increased attacks after members of an Islamic missionary group, Tablighi Jamaat and of which Ali is a member, tested positive for COVID-19.

Authorities charged members of the missionary group, including its chief, Muhammad Saad Khandavi, with defying lockdown orders and participating in public gatherings.

Charges against the Tablighi Jamaat members were for violating the orders of a ban against public gatherings and the enforcement of a strict lockdown, said Indian police officer Anil Mittal, which has “helped us stave off a crisis” and contain the disease.

In the aftermath of police charges against Jamaat members, several videos have trended on social media accusing Muslims of living an unclean life and contaminating vegetables with the virus to spread it among Hindus.

Ali, a member of Jamaat, had just returned from his missionary work from the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh when several people assaulted him near his village, accusing him of spreading COVID-19.