A 25-year-old Muslim man was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in Bihar’s Siwan district after being taken away from his home by a group of villagers, according to allegations made by his family and a police complaint filed by his wife.
The incident took place in Shivrajpur village under the Barharia police station area on May 30. The deceased has been identified as Shahzad Ali, a cook by profession.
According to Shahzad’s wife, Mobina Khatoon, a group of men came to their house and called him outside before taking him away. Hours later, the family was informed that he had died.
“He was beaten by around five or six people. They took my husband away and beat him to death,” Mobina Khatoon alleged.
Shahzad’s sister-in-law, Naseema Khatun, wife of his late elder brother Naushad Ali, also described the incident.
“He was coming on a bike and was attacked by five or six people. They beat him and he was killed,” she said while speaking to The Observer Post.
FIR Names Eight Accused
In her written complaint to the police, Mobina Khatoon alleged that Shahzad was tied to a tree and brutally assaulted with sticks, kicks and punches, which led to his death. She also claimed that around ₹5,000 in cash that Shahzad had was taken away during the incident.
The FIR names Amit Chaudhary alias Avadhesh Chaudhary, Pramendra Manjhi, Chhatthu Manjhi, Avadh Kishore Chaudhary, Guddu Manjhi, Ranjan Chaudhary and Mantu Kumar, along with others, as accused in the case. All are residents of Shivrajpur village.
Family Says Both Brothers Were Killed
The tragedy has become even more painful for the family because Shahzad’s elder brother, Naushad Ali, had also died under suspicious circumstances around two-and-a-half months ago.
Family members allege that Naushad was found hanging from a tree and claim he was killed. Now, both brothers are gone, leaving behind widowed wives and several children with no earning member in the house.
Shahzad’s father, Qayamudin Shah, broke down while speaking about the loss.
“Both of my sons have been killed. They have small children. How will they be raised? Who will look after them?” he said while speaking to The Observer Post.
He also expressed frustration over the response from authorities.
“When we talk to the police, they tell us they have nothing to do with it. Instead, they threaten to take us to the police station,” he alleged.
Family Warns of Protest if Arrests Are Not Made
Mohammad Mitthu Shah, a relative, who spoke on behalf of the family, said the administration had promised justice after the burial and assured them that arrests would be made within two days.
“When we arrived, the administration told us to complete the burial and promised justice. They said all the accused would be arrested within two days,” he said while speaking to The Observer Post.
He warned that if arrests are not made within the promised time, the family and local people would organize a major protest and surround the police station on the 10th.
“If justice is not delivered, where will poor people go?” he asked.
‘He Was Killed Over Refusing Cooking Work’
Shah claimed that Shahzad and his family worked as cooks and alleged that the dispute may have started after Shahzad refused a booking for catering work months ago.
“These people are poor labourers. They cook food for weddings and events. Someone had approached them for work, but Shahzad was not available at that time. Is refusing work a reason to kill someone?” he said.
He added, “Cooking is their skill. They can choose where they want to work. Nobody can force them.”
Demand for Justice and Compensation
Shah also demanded strict action against the accused and compensation for the victims’ families.
“Those who committed this murder should be hanged. If not, strict action must be taken so justice is delivered,” he said.
He urged the government to support the family financially, pointing out that both brothers’ wives are now widows and many children have been left without support.
“Shahzad had four children and Naushad had eight. There is nobody to take care of them now. The government should give at least ₹50 lakh compensation to help the family survive,” he demanded.
The family has alleged that the killings are linked to earlier communal tensions in the area, though police have not officially confirmed any communal angle in the case so far. Authorities are yet to announce arrests in connection with Shahzad Ali’s death.
