AIMIM president and MP Asaduddin Owaisi has written to the Union Railway Minister demanding an independent investigation into the death of Maulana Tousif Raza Mazhari, who allegedly died after being assaulted on a moving train in Uttar Pradesh on April 26, 2026.
The letter seeks a fair inquiry, financial compensation for the victim’s family, and a government job on compassionate grounds for a dependent family member.
Demand for Independent Probe and Compensation
In his letter, Owaisi described the incident as a “transit-based hate crime” and expressed concern over what he called repeated attempts to dismiss such cases as accidents.
He wrote that the victim was assaulted inside Train No. 04314 while returning from Bareilly after attending Urs-e-Tajush Shariah.
Owaisi said, “The death of Maulana Tauseef Raza Mazhari has emerged as another case of communal violence within the railway system’s safety framework.”
He further stated that initial reports wrongly treated the case as an accidental fall, and only after the family’s complaint was a formal case registered.
Allegations of Assault Inside Moving Train
According to the victim’s family, Maulana Tousif Raza Mazhari, an Imam and madrasa teacher from Kishanganj, was attacked by a group of passengers who allegedly accused him of theft during the journey.
His wife, Tabassum Khatoon, said she witnessed parts of the incident during a video call.
She said, “He called me from the train and said he was being beaten. I saw people slapping him and dragging him. He kept saying he was a teacher, but no one helped him.”
She alleged that the attackers targeted him because of his appearance, including his beard and cap.
Police Version and Ongoing Investigation
Bareilly Police have stated that the case began after a body was found near the railway tracks on April 27, 2026. SP City Manush Parik said the deceased was identified as Tousif Raza after recovery near Palpur Gate area.
Police initially treated the case as an accidental fall. However, after the family raised suspicions on April 30, authorities said that “necessary legal action” would be taken and further investigation would be conducted.
Officials added that the post-mortem was completed and the body handed over to the family after legal formalities.
Opposition Leaders Demand Fair Probe
The case has triggered reactions from several opposition leaders who have demanded a transparent investigation.
MP Md Jawaid said, “This is not an accident. The victim clearly said he was being beaten and asked for help.”
Imran Pratapgarhi also flagged concerns over the alleged video call made during the assault, calling the incident “deeply disturbing.”
Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan questioned the police version and said contradictions between family claims and official reports require an impartial probe.
Call for Accountability and Support for Family
In his letter, Owaisi stressed that Indian Railways has a responsibility to ensure passenger safety and said the victim was the sole breadwinner of his family.
He demanded that the government provide adequate financial compensation and a compassionate appointment to one family member, saying the widow and children have been left without support.
He added that such steps are necessary not only for justice but also to restore public confidence in railway safety.
