A 25-year-old Muslim man was beaten to death by a Hindu mob in eastern India after being taken from his home by a group of villagers, according to a police complaint filed by his wife.
The victim, Shahzad Ali, was killed on May 30 in Shivrajpur village in Bihar’s Siwan district. His family says the tragedy comes less than three months after the suspicious death of his elder brother, leaving two widows and several children without their primary breadwinners.
Police have registered a First Information Report against eight suspects and launched an investigation.
The accused named in the FIR were identified by family members as Hindus from the same village.
Police have not publicly described the incident as a lynching and say the exact circumstances surrounding Shahzad’s death will be established through the investigation and post-mortem examination.
Wife alleges husband was taken away and beaten to death
In a complaint submitted to Barharia police station, Shahzad’s wife, Mobina Khatoon, alleged that several Hindu villagers arrived at their home on Saturday morning, called her husband outside and forcibly took him away.
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According to the complaint, the family received information four to five hours later that Shahzad had died.
Mobina alleged that Shahzad was tied to a tree and brutally assaulted with sticks, kicks and punches by a mob, resulting in his death. She also claimed that around 5,000 Indian rupees (approximately £43) in cash that he was carrying was taken during the attack.
The FIR names Amit Chaudhary alias Avadhesh Chaudhary, Pramendra Manjhi, Chhatthu Manjhi, Avadh Kishore Chaudhary, Guddu Manjhi, Ranjan Chaudhary and Mantu Kumar, along with others, as accused in the case. All are residents of the same village.
Family says Shahzad was tied to a tree and killed
Family members told 5Pillars that Shahzad worked as a cook and provided catering services for weddings and community events in the area.
His wife alleged in the FIR that he was tied to a tree and beaten before succumbing to his injuries.
Speaking to 5Pillars, Shahzad’s sister-in-law, Naseema Khatun, said: “He was coming on a bike and was attacked by five or six people. They beat him and he was killed.”
The family says Shahzad leaves behind four children.
Second brother lost within three months
The killing has deepened the family’s grief because Shahzad’s elder brother, Naushad Ali, also died under suspicious circumstances around three months ago.
Relatives allege that Naushad was murdered and later found hanging from a tree. The family says they are still waiting for justice in that case.
Speaking to 5Pillars, Shahzad’s father, Qayamudin Shah, broke down while describing the loss.
“Both of my sons have been killed. They have small children. How will they be raised? Who will look after them?” he said.
According to relatives, Naushad left behind eight children, while Shahzad left behind four, leaving both families without their primary breadwinners.
Family alleges dispute began over catering work
Mohammad Mitthu Shah, a relative speaking to 5Pillars on behalf of the family, alleged that tensions began months ago after Shahzad declined a request to provide catering services.
“These people are poor labourers. They cook food for weddings and events. Someone approached them for work, but Shahzad was not available at that time. Is refusing work a reason to kill someone?” he said.
He added: “Cooking is their skill. They can choose where they want to work. Nobody can force them.”
The allegation has not been independently verified and police have not confirmed a motive.
Police launch investigation
Following the complaint, Barharia police registered an FIR and sent Shahzad’s body for post-mortem examination at Siwan Sadar Hospital.
Police officer Chhotan Kumar said raids are underway to arrest the accused, who are currently absconding.
Additional security personnel have been deployed in the village to maintain law and order.
Police said the exact circumstances of Shahzad’s death would be determined through the investigation and post-mortem findings.
Family demands justice
Relatives say local officials assured them after Shahzad’s burial that arrests would be made within two days.
The family has warned that if the accused are not arrested, residents will organise protests outside the police station.
Speaking to 5Pillars, Mohammad Mitthu Shah said: “When we arrived, the administration told us to complete the burial and promised justice. They said all the accused would be arrested within two days.”
He added: “If justice is not delivered, where will poor people go?”
The family is also demanding financial assistance, arguing that both brothers’ deaths have left multiple children without a source of income or support.
Shah called on authorities to ensure the strictest punishment for those found responsible for the killing and urged the government to provide compensation to support the widows and children left behind.
Police investigations remain ongoing.
