Several opposition Members of Parliament have demanded a high-level probe into the death of Maulana Tousif Raza Mazhari, a 30-year-old cleric from Bihar’s Kishanganj district, who was found dead near railway tracks in Uttar Pradesh after allegedly being assaulted on a train.
The incident took place on April 26, 2026, near Bareilly railway station, when Raza was travelling back after attending the annual Urs. While the police have termed it an accident, his family and several MPs have rejected this claim, alleging assault and foul play.
“This is not an accident,” says Dr Md Jawaid
Md Jawaid, MP from Kishanganj, said the case reflects a serious failure of law enforcement and demanded accountability.
He said, “This is not an accident, rather a documented assault. In his final call, Maulana Tousif Raza clearly said he was being beaten and repeatedly sought help while others stood by.”
He added that the incident raises concerns about “the pattern of hate” and questioned whether equal protection of law is being ensured.
Jawaid said justice must be “swift, transparent and impartial” and called for urgent investigation.
Imran Pratapgarhi flags allegations of religious targeting
Imran Pratapgarhi, Rajya Sabha MP, also reacted strongly, saying the case is deeply disturbing.
He said the victim’s family alleges that Raza was beaten on a moving train near Bareilly Cantt and later found dead near the tracks.
Pratapgarhi said, “The deceased’s wife claims he made a video call during the assault and informed her that he was being beaten. Right after the call ended, his body was recovered.”
He tagged the police in his statement and urged a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the death.
Chandrashekhar Azad seeks high-level probe
Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan also called for a transparent investigation, saying the case raises serious contradictions between eyewitness claims and official statements.
He said, “The victim clearly said during his last call that he was being abused and assaulted over his religious identity. He repeatedly sought help.”
He questioned the police version of events, which suggests that the death occurred after the cleric fell from the train due to drowsiness.
Azad said, “When the family has a recording of assault and the official version calls it an accident, it creates serious doubt. A high-level, impartial investigation is necessary.”
Owaisi urges Railway Minister to act
Asaduddin Owaisi also demanded action, calling for accountability from railway authorities and police.
He said the Railway Minister must ensure justice and identify those responsible if foul play is confirmed. He stressed the need for a proper investigation given the conflicting accounts.
Family alleges assault during train journey
According to the family, Raza was assaulted during his journey home after attending the Urs. His wife said she received a distressing video call in which he claimed he was being beaten by fellow passengers.
She alleged that people on the train accused him of theft and ignored his repeated pleas for help. She also claimed she witnessed the assault during the call.
The family believes the incident was not accidental and suspects a targeted attack.
Police maintain accident theory
Bareilly Police have, however, denied allegations of assault or murder. They stated that Raza’s body was found near the railway tracks and initial findings suggest he may have fallen from a train window due to heat and drowsiness.
Police said no evidence of fighting or pushing has been found so far, and his belongings were recovered intact. They also maintained that the mobile phone was functional and helped identify the deceased.
Officials said, “No signs of quarrel or attack have been found at the scene.”
