A 66-year-old Muslim man died after allegedly being assaulted by a mob in Bihar’s Madhubani district, with local residents accusing police of refusing to register a complaint despite repeated appeals.
The deceased, identified as Islam Nadaf, was a resident of Ludgama village under Benipatti police station in Madhubani district. His funeral prayers were held after Asr prayers on Thursday amid fear and tension in the area.
Allegations of Violence During Wedding Function
According to local residents and members of Imarat-e-Shariah’s Benipatti block unit, the violence began on May 12 during a wedding ceremony at the house of a member of the Lohar community in Ludgama village.
Residents alleged that a dispute broke out during the event, leading to verbal abuse and physical violence. Islam Nadaf’s sons were reportedly present at the function when tensions escalated.
Speaking to local representatives, resident Abdul Jabbar claimed that one of Nadaf’s sons acted in self-defence during the altercation, causing minor injuries to a youth from the Lohar community.
Mob Attack Allegedly Targeted Family Home
Locals said attempts were initially made to calm the situation, but later a large mob allegedly attacked Islam Nadaf’s home in a “planned and organised manner.”
Family members alleged that the attackers assaulted the men of the house and brutally beat women present inside the home. Local residents claimed many among the attackers appeared intoxicated.
Islam Nadaf was allegedly beaten so severely that his condition became critical. He was later admitted to the government hospital in Benipatti with the help of local deputy mukhiya Munna Kumar, residents said.
Allegations of Police Inaction and Medical Negligence
The family alleged that despite approaching the police station to lodge an FIR, officers refused to register the complaint. Residents Abdul Jabbar and Abdul Rahman accused the police of ignoring repeated pleas for action.
The family further alleged that the hospital failed to provide proper treatment and discharged Nadaf despite his deteriorating condition. He died on May 21, days after the alleged assault.
Police Response and Ongoing Inquiry
Residents claimed that police action only began after his death, with one person reportedly detained for questioning while many of the accused continue to remain free.
Members of Imarat-e-Shariah, including Benipatti block secretary Maulana Shahid Hasan Qasmi, visited the village to gather information and meet the grieving family, urging intervention for justice.
Police officials had not publicly responded in detail to the allegations at the time of publication. However, Madhubani Police stated that “necessary instructions have been issued to the concerned officials for appropriate legal action in accordance with the law.”
