A mob killing in Jharkhand’s Godda district has sparked outrage after a Muslim man was allegedly beaten to death after being identified by his religion. The victim, Pappu Ansari, around 40 years old, was killed in the Podaiyahat police station area, with his family claiming he was targeted and murdered after being called a Muslim.
Mohammad Naseem, the brother of the deceased, alleged that Pappu Ansari was stripped and attacked with multiple weapons. “They removed his pants, identified him as a Muslim, and then killed my brother. He was attacked with a farsa, beaten with sticks, shot with arrows, and hit with a chisel. Whoever had whatever in their hand attacked him. He was killed while they kept saying he is a Muslim, kill him. Is being Muslim a crime? Is this justice in our country?” he said.
According to the family, Pappu Ansari had gone to deliver cattle and was later called again on the pretext of settling money. Naseem said, “My brother was called there early in the morning. He went with a driver and took the money. After that, he was told the cattle would not be given and was asked to run away. When he tried to escape, someone attacked him from behind. Then he was beaten very badly.”
The incident took place on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday in Matihani village. On Thursday morning, Ansari’s body was found in a field between Matihani and Latta villages. He was a resident of Ranipur village under Pathargama police station area.
Police said villagers caught Pappu Ansari around 1 am on suspicion of cattle theft and allegedly beat him with sticks. Podaiyahat police station in charge Mahavir Pandit reached the spot after receiving information, followed by Headquarters DSP JPN Chaudhary and other senior officials. The body was sent to Sadar Hospital for post mortem.
During investigation, police recovered slippers, blood stained sticks, a burnt mobile phone, gutkha packets, khaini, and ashes from the spot. DSP JPN Chaudhary said, “The youth was beaten to death. We are identifying those involved and raids are underway.”
Police also claimed that Pappu Ansari had a criminal history, with cases related to cattle theft and copper theft registered against him in the past. According to police sources, he had allegedly come to the village with three others in a pickup vehicle to steal cattle, but his companions managed to escape while he was caught.
However, the family strongly rejected the narrative of theft and said the killing was driven by religious hatred. Naseem questioned the administration’s silence and inaction. “No MLA, no MP, no official came to us. My brother was murdered in a very cruel way. He has five children, four daughters and a young son. What will happen to their future?” he asked.
He demanded strict punishment for the killers. “We are citizens of this country. We want justice. The administration must give the harshest punishment to the culprits,” Naseem said, identifying himself as Mohammad Naseem.
