A Muslim man was tied to an electric pole and beaten by a mob in Bihar’s Gopalganj district on suspicion of carrying banned meat. The incident took place in the Mathiya area under Nagar police station and was recorded on mobile phones. The videos have since gone viral on social media, triggering fear and anger.
The victim has been identified as Ahmed Azad, a resident of the Barharia police station area in neighbouring Siwan district. According to local people, Azad was travelling on a motorcycle when a group of men stopped him on mere suspicion. Without any legal authority, they allegedly searched him and claimed to have found a box containing banned meat.
Soon after, more people gathered at the spot. Azad was tied to a pole and beaten in public during the cold weather. In one of the viral videos, a man is heard saying, “We have caught him with banned meat. There is a temple nearby and his intention was wrong.” Another voice claims that the motorcycle looked stolen, though no proof was shown.
A local shopkeeper, who did not want to be named, said the scene was terrifying. “He was crying and asking for help, but people were scared to intervene,” he said.
The incident has caused deep fear, especially among Muslims in the area. A local elder said, “Today it is Ahmed Azad. Tomorrow it could be anyone. People are acting like judge and police on the streets.”
The video also led to widespread criticism online. Many users questioned how private groups could decide someone’s guilt and punishment. Some residents from the majority community also condemned the assault. One local man said, “If there was a crime, the police should have handled it. Beating someone like this is shameful.”
After receiving information, police reached the spot and freed Azad from the crowd. He was taken into custody, and the motorcycle and the alleged meat were seized. Azad was later sent to judicial custody.
A police officer from Nagar police station said, “We received information and reached the spot. The man was rescued and legal action has been initiated. The matter is under investigation.” However, police did not clarify why those who assaulted Azad were not immediately detained.
Rights activists have raised serious concerns, saying such incidents reflect a growing pattern of mob violence against Muslims based on suspicion. A Patna-based activist said, “This is not law enforcement. This is violence driven by hate. When authorities remain silent, it encourages such groups.”
