A delegation from the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), comprising lawyers and human rights activists, recently visited the families of victims killed in separate mob lynching incidents in Bihar’s Madhubani and Siwan districts. The visit aimed to assess the progress of investigations, provide legal assistance and express solidarity with the affected families.
Family of Roshan Khatoon Raises Questions Over Police Response
The delegation first visited Pulparash village in Madhubani district, where Roshan Khatoon was allegedly assaulted by a mob on February 25, 2026.
According to her family, Roshan Khatoon was fasting at the time of the incident when she was brutally attacked by a mob that allegedly included the village head. The family alleged that police failed to intervene in time and did not arrange urgent medical care after the assault. Roshan Khatoon later succumbed to her injuries.
The APCR delegation expressed concern over the pace of justice in the case, noting that the only accused arrested so far had already secured bail from a lower court.
The organisation said the development raised serious concerns about accountability and the handling of the investigation.
Qayoom’s Family Still Waiting for Compensation
The team also met the family of Qayoom, a daily wage labourer from Jhanjharpur in Madhubani district, who was allegedly killed on January 13, 2026.
According to the family, Qayoom was attacked and killed near his home while searching for work. Despite the seriousness of the case, only one accused has reportedly been arrested so far.
APCR said Qayoom’s widow and four young children have not received compensation, rehabilitation assistance or meaningful support from the state government.
The organisation stated that it has been helping the family with legal support and urged authorities to ensure that all statutory compensation and rehabilitation benefits are provided without delay.
Delegation Meets Family of Shahzad Ali in Siwan
In Siwan district, the APCR delegation visited the family of Shahzad Ali, who was allegedly abducted and lynched by villagers.
According to allegations made by his family and the FIR lodged by his wife, Mobina Khatoon, Shahzad Ali was forcibly taken away, tied to a tree and brutally assaulted, leading to his death.
The family alleged that the main accused named in the FIR remain absconding and have not yet been arrested.
As part of the visit, the delegation met officials at Badhariya Police Station and submitted a memorandum demanding a fair and time-bound investigation into the killing.
The memorandum also called for the immediate arrest of all accused persons and adequate security for the victim’s family and witnesses.
APCR Demands Accountability and Victim Support
Condemning the incidents, APCR said delays in investigations, arrests, compensation and witness protection weaken public trust in the justice system.
The organisation urged the Bihar government and law enforcement authorities to ensure justice for all three families, hold those responsible accountable and provide immediate financial and rehabilitation support to the victims’ dependents.
APCR said it remains committed to pursuing legal remedies in all three cases and will continue monitoring the investigations closely.
