Harun Nasrullah
A 25-year-old Muslim man was dragged from his home, tied to a tree and beaten to death by a Hindu mob in Shivrajpur village in Siwan district, Bihar, eastern India, in a brutal attack that has led to multiple arrests as police widen their investigation.
Shahzad Ali, a local cook who worked at weddings and community events, died on May 30 following what authorities describe as a mob assault. Police have since confirmed arrests in the case, while further raids are continuing to trace remaining suspects.
Officers have registered a First Information Report (FIR) naming eight individuals, along with others from the same village. Investigators say the exact circumstances surrounding his death will be confirmed only after post-mortem findings and further inquiry.
According to Shahzad’s wife, Mobina Khatoon, a group of villagers arrived at their home on the morning of the attack, called him outside, and forcibly took him away. She said the family was informed several hours later that he had died.
In her written complaint to Barharia police station, she alleged that her husband was tied to a tree and “brutally assaulted with sticks, kicks and punches by a mob”, adding that around ₹5,000 (about £43) in cash he was carrying was also stolen.
The FIR names Amit Chaudhary alias Avadhesh Chaudhary, Pramendra Manjhi, Chhatthu Manjhi, Avadh Kishore Chaudhary, Guddu Manjhi, Ranjan Chaudhary and Mantu Kumar, among others.
Police have now arrested several suspects in connection with the killing, although not all those named in the FIR are currently in custody. Officers say raids are ongoing and further arrests are expected.
Family members say Shahzad worked as a cook, earning a living through catering at weddings and community events. His 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.”
Relatives allege he was tied to a tree and beaten before dying from his injuries. He leaves behind four children.
A relative, Mohammad Mitthu Shah, suggested the killing may have been triggered by a dispute over catering work. “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.
Police, however, have not confirmed any motive.
The killing has deepened the family’s grief, coming just months after the death of Shahzad’s elder brother, Naushad Ali, which relatives also describe as suspicious. They allege he was murdered and later found hanging from a tree, although this has not been verified by police.
Shahzad’s father, Qayamudin Shah, said: “Both of my sons have been killed. They have small children. How will they be raised? Who will look after them?”
Relatives say Naushad left behind eight children, while Shahzad leaves four, leaving both families without their main breadwinners.
Following the complaint, police sent Shahzad’s body for post-mortem at Siwan Sadar Hospital. Barharia police officer Chhotan Kumar said additional security had been deployed in the village to maintain order, and that the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have reiterated that the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after the post-mortem report and full inquiry. No charge-sheet has yet been filed.
The family is now demanding swift arrests, strict punishment and financial compensation for the widows and children left behind. “If justice is not delivered, where will poor people go?” Mohammad Mitthu Shah said, warning that protests may follow if action is delayed. Police inquiries continue.
