Mob lynches Muslim man in Bihar; family says communally charged

Siwan/Bihar: A 25-year-old Muslim man was allegedly lynched by a mob in Bihar's Siwan district on May 30, with his family accusing local residents of abducting him from his home and beating him to death over a previous dispute.

The victim, Shahzad Ali of Shivrajpur village under Barharia police station limits, was reportedly taken away by five to six villagers who arrived at his house and called him outside. Family members said they learned of his death within hours. His wife, Mobina Khatoon, alleged in her police complaint that Ali was tied to a tree and assaulted with sticks, kicks and punches before succumbing to his injuries. She also said that cash was taken from him during the attack.

An FIR has been registered naming eight villagers as accused. Family members insist the killing was deliberate and carried out in public view. Relatives have repeated allegations that he was surrounded and attacked by a group of men before being killed.

The tragedy has deepened the family's grief because Shahzad's elder brother, Naushad Ali, was also found dead under suspicious circumstances around two months ago. The family believes both deaths are linked to communal tensions in the area and has demanded a thorough investigation.

Ali's father, Qayamudin Shah, alleged that local authorities failed to respond adequately to their concerns and instead intimidated family members when they sought answers. Relatives said the administration promised swift action after Shahzad's burial and assured them that those named in the case would be arrested soon.

The family has threatened a major protest on June 10 if arrests are delayed. They have also demanded strict punishment for the accused and financial assistance, pointing out that the deaths of two brothers have left two widows and twelve children without support or a stable source of income.