The Bareilly Police has issued a fresh statement in the death of Maulana Tousif Raza Mazhari, saying that “necessary legal action” will be taken after the victim’s family formally raised suspicions of assault.
According to SP City Manush Parik, the case began on April 27, 2026, when police received information about a body lying near the railway track in the Cantt area of Bareilly.
He said, “At around 7:25 am, a railway keyman informed about a body near the railway line in Palpur Gate area. The police reached the spot and the body was identified as Tousif Raza, a resident of Kishanganj, Bihar.”
Police contacted the family using the deceased’s mobile phone. After completing legal formalities and a post-mortem, the body was handed over to the family.
Family initially suspected accident, later raised doubts: Police
Police said that when the family first arrived from Bihar, they believed it to be an accidental fall from a train.
However, days later, on April 30, the family expressed suspicion that Raza may have been assaulted during his journey.
Parik said, “After receiving the complaint from the family, they were informed that necessary legal action would be taken.”
Wife alleges assault during video call
Raza’s wife, Tabassum Khatoon, has alleged that her husband was attacked inside the train and that she witnessed the incident during a video call.
She said, “He called me from the train. He sounded scared and told me that some people were beating him.”
According to her, the attackers accused him of theft and ignored his repeated pleas for help.
“They were calling him a thief. He showed his books and said he was a madrasa teacher. I asked people to help him, but no one listened,” she said.
She further alleged that she saw him being dragged and beaten. “I saw them slapping him and pulling him by the collar. It was terrifying,” she added.
The family suspects that his appearance, including his beard and cap, may have made him a target.
Police earlier termed death an accident
Earlier, the police had stated that Raza likely fell from the train due to extreme heat and drowsiness while sitting near a window.
Officials had said no evidence of a quarrel or assault was found at the scene, and all his belongings, including his phone, were recovered intact.
However, the new complaint from the family has prompted the police to consider further legal steps.
MPs demand high-level investigation
The case has drawn strong reactions from opposition leaders, with several MPs calling for a transparent probe.
Md Jawaid said, “This is not an accident but a documented assault. He clearly said he was being beaten and asked for help.”
Imran Pratapgarhi described the incident as “shocking” and highlighted the alleged video call made by the victim during the attack.
Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan pointed out the contradiction between the family’s claims and the police version, saying it raises “serious questions” and requires an impartial investigation.
Asaduddin Owaisi also urged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to ensure accountability and order a thorough probe.
