Patna/Nalanda: A street vendor from Nalanda district has died after allegedly being assaulted by a mob in Bihar’s Nawada, in an incident that has sparked public outrage and political demands for accountability.
The victim, identified as Mohammad Athar, 40, a resident of the Laheri police station area of Biharsharif, was attacked on 5 December near Bhattapar village under Roh police station limits. Athar, who sold clothes door to door, was returning home on a bicycle when he stopped after suffering a puncture, according to his family.
His brother, Mohammad Shakib, said Athar approached a group of people warming themselves by a roadside fire to ask for the location of a puncture repair shop. The family alleges that an argument followed, after which the group attacked him with burning wooden logs. He sustained multiple injuries, including fractures, and was critically wounded.
Police said Athar was initially admitted to Nawada hospital before being referred to VIMS, Pawapuri, in Nalanda district due to the severity of his injuries. He died during treatment on 12 December, after nine days in hospital.
Ranjan Kumar, the station house officer of Roh police station, said a case had been registered against 10 named accused, with four arrests made so far. “Forensic teams collected evidence from the body in the presence of a magistrate. Further action is underway,” he said.
The incident has drawn sharp reactions on social media, with users questioning the state government’s handling of public safety. Leaders from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) visited the victim’s family and demanded compensation, a government job for a family member, and fast-track proceedings in the case.
The police said investigations were continuing and assured that the remaining suspects would be apprehended.
