A Muslim woman councillor and her son were allegedly assaulted and subjected to religious abuse during a Bettiah Municipal Corporation meeting in Bihar’s West Champaran district on August 19. The family has alleged that some people associated with Hindu right-wing organisations targeted them and called the councillor’s son a “terrorist” in the presence of police.
The incident reportedly took place during a board meeting at the Bettiah Municipal Corporation auditorium. A video circulating on social media appears to show an argument between several people and Azad Hussain, son of Ward 32 councillor Zohra Khatoon. Police personnel can also be seen intervening as some people allegedly move towards Hussain.
According to Hussain’s complaint submitted to senior police officials, he had accompanied his mother to the municipal corporation. While she attended the meeting, he waited outside with relatives of other councillors.
Son Alleges Assault With Nameplate
Hussain alleged that after the meeting, the auditorium gate was forcibly closed, leaving the mayor, councillors and their representatives inside. He said he went towards the auditorium after learning about the situation, as his mother has several health problems and he was concerned about her safety.
Hussain alleged that Ward 25 councillor Ruhi Singh abused him and hit him on the head with a nameplate kept on a table. He further alleged that he was threatened with death over complaints he had previously filed against some municipal officials and councillors.
He also alleged that when Ward 31 councillor Prema Devi intervened, she was abused by Ruhi Singh and her husband Keshav Raj Singh. Hussain claimed that Singh used caste-based abusive language against Devi and spat on her. These allegations have not been independently established.
As the situation escalated, police personnel and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate reportedly took Hussain out of the premises. He alleged that during this time, Deputy Mayor Gayatri Devi struck him and that another person, identified as Goldy Singh, abused him and called him a “terrorist”.
Hussain also accused the deputy mayor’s son, Rohit Byahut Gupta, of attempting to attack him.
Alleged Retaliation Over Earlier Complaints
Hussain claimed that he had previously filed complaints and cases against several people, including Ruhi Singh, Keshav Raj Singh and Deputy Mayor Gayatri Devi, over alleged irregularities in the municipal corporation.
He alleged that the confrontation was retaliation for those complaints and claimed that he feared for his life.
Hussain said he had approached the police with a complaint but alleged that an FIR had not been registered. He subsequently submitted a complaint to senior district officials seeking action against those named.
Councillor Seeks CCTV Footage
Zohra Khatoon has separately written to the municipal commissioner requesting that CCTV footage from the municipal corporation premises and auditorium between 2 pm and 6 pm on August 19 be preserved.
She expressed concern that the footage could be deleted or damaged and requested a copy of the recordings, saying they could help establish what happened and identify those involved.
Police and the accused persons have not yet publicly responded to the allegations. The claims of assault, religious abuse and threats remain allegations and are subject to investigation.
