On Wednesday, Mohammad Shahid Hussain, a 30-year-old member of the Bhim Army, was found dead under suspicious circumstances.
While police have officially classified the case as a suicide, stating that Hussain died by hanging, his family and local residents strongly contest this claim, citing visible injuries on his body that they believe point to foul play.
According to police administration, Hussain’s body was discovered hanging in the Latehar district of Jharkhand. However, the deceased’s family argues that the nature of the injuries is inconsistent with suicide.
“This is not suicide. He was murdered,” a family member said, showing wounds on Hussain’s body, suggesting possible violence before death.
Rukhsar Bibi, Hussain’s wife, voiced similar concerns regarding the police’s version of events while speaking to The Observer Post. Now a widow, she is left to care for their three children and her mother-in-law. Rukhsar, who married Hussain in 2017, expressed deep sorrow about his death.
“They beat him with a metal chain before hanging him. I believe this was murder. I’ve lost my husband, my children have lost their father, and all we want now is justice. There needs to be a thorough and impartial investigation so the truth can come out, and those responsible are held accountable,” she said.
Hussain’s death has ignited outrage over social media, with activists and political leaders calling for a thorough investigation. Kashif Bharti, state president of the Aazad Samaj Party, demanded a detailed probe, urging authorities to treat the matter with seriousness and ensure justice is served.
“The body had multiple injury marks, which contradict the alleged suicide theory. We demand a high-level investigation into the incident, and any attempts to cover up the truth will not be tolerated,” Bharti said.
He also appealed to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to intervene and ensure a transparent inquiry into Hussain’s death.
