Nalanda/Nawada: A brutal assault incident in Bihar’s Nawada district has taken a deadly turn, with 40-year-old Mohammad Athar Hussain succumbing to his injuries late Friday night during treatment. The incident, initially reported as a violent attack, is now being investigated as a case of murder and alleged mob lynching. Athar Hussain was a resident of Gagandiwan village in neighbouring Nalanda district.
The victim’s family has alleged that Athar was targeted after being asked about his religion and was subjected to prolonged and inhuman violence by a group of men. His wife, Shabnam Parveen, broke down while recounting the incident, saying her husband was beaten for nearly six hours. “I just want justice. I have three children and no support. How will we survive?” she said, alleging that the attackers showed extreme cruelty.
According to family members, Athar was critically injured and left on the roadside before being taken to a government hospital, where he later died. The family has also alleged delay and lack of adequate medical treatment.
Sequence of Events
Athar’s brother, Mohammad Chand, said the family first learned about the severity of the incident after seeing a video circulating on social media on Saturday morning. “We identified the hospital from the video and immediately rushed to Nawada Sadar Hospital,” he said.
As per the statement given by Athar to his family before his death, the incident occurred around 7 pm when his bicycle developed a flat tyre. He reportedly approached a group of people who were sitting near a fire and asked about a puncture repair shop. The family claims that the men, allegedly intoxicated, searched him, took cash from his pocket and forcibly took him to a nearby room.
The victim allegedly told his family that he was locked inside the room, stripped and brutally assaulted by around ten people over several hours. He was later thrown onto the roadside in a severely injured condition, after which the accused fled.
Relatives said Athar had multiple injuries across his body, including fractures and burn marks, indicating the extreme nature of the assault.
Family Alleges Communal Motive, Lapses in Treatment
Athar’s wife, Shabnam Parveen, alleged that the attack took place after her husband was questioned about his religion. “He was beaten for hours. If he had received proper treatment in time, he might have survived,” she said, demanding the arrest of all accused and the strictest punishment.
The victim’s sister, Darkha Khatun, also alleged that the killing was not linked to theft, as claimed by some of the accused, but was a targeted attack. She accused the police of failing to ensure timely medical care, stating that Athar was kept in a government hospital despite his critical condition.
Police Action and Arrests
Based on the complaint filed by Shabnam Parveen, an FIR has been registered against 10 named and 15 unidentified persons. The named accused include Satyanarayan Kumar, Mantoo Yadav, Sonu Kumar, Satish Kumar, Sikandar Yadav, Ramswaroop Yadav, Ranjan Kumar, Vipul Kumar, Sachin Kumar and Sugan Yadav.
Roh Police Station in-charge Ranjan Kumar said that seven accused, including Sonu Kumar and Ranjan Kumar, have been arrested so far. “Raids are being conducted to nab the remaining accused,” he said. One of the prime accused, Sikandar Yadav, who had reportedly accused Athar of theft on December 5, is currently absconding.
The incident has sparked outrage among the victim’s family and local residents, with growing demands for swift justice and accountability. Police said further investigation is underway to establish the exact sequence of events and motive behind the killing.
