Mohammad Alamullah
PRATAPGARH — In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread unrest, Maulana Farooq, the Imam and Khatib of Masjid Shams in Navi Mumbai and father of Ustad Hadith Darul Uloom Taluja’s Mufti Mamun Qasmi, was brutally murdered by criminals in his native village of Sonpur, under the Jetwara police station area of Pratapgarh. The incident has led to significant tension and violence in the area, prompting a heavy police deployment to restore order.
The gruesome murder occurred on Saturday morning when Maulana Farooq, aged 60, was confronted by a group of individuals near his home in Sonpur. According to sources, Farooq had been involved in a financial dispute with some villagers. Upon his return to the village, the miscreants demanded repayment of the money they had lent him. When Maulana Farooq requested more time, the situation escalated as the accused demanded land as collateral.
Witnesses report that the accused began measuring Farooq’s land with tape, to which he strongly objected. The confrontation turned violent when the miscreants attacked him with a shovel and rod, beating him to death in front of horrified onlookers. Following the attack, the perpetrators fled the scene.
News of the murder spread rapidly, leading to a wave of mourning and anger among the villagers. A large crowd gathered at the site of the incident, with emotions running high. The situation quickly escalated as angry villagers blocked roads and clashed with the police, who had arrived to manage the situation. The protestors hurled stones at the police, demanding immediate action against the accused.
In response to the growing unrest, additional police forces from eight nearby stations were deployed to control the crowd. Despite their efforts, the area resembled a war zone, with a heavy police presence required to maintain order. The police eventually managed to disperse the crowd using mild force and took control of the situation.
The situation remained volatile as the villagers continued their protests, demanding severe punishment for the culprits. They specifically called for the demolition of the accused’s house, chanting slogans and preventing the police from removing Farooq’s body from the scene. The crowd’s anger was palpable, and they were adamant about seeing immediate and harsh retribution.
SP Pratapgarh, while addressing the media, assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted. “We are taking this incident very seriously and will ensure that justice is served. The culprits will be apprehended and dealt with according to the law,” he stated. His assurances, however, did little to pacify the crowd initially.
The investigation into Maulana Farooq’s murder has commenced, with the police examining all possible angles, including the financial dispute that seemed to have triggered the fatal altercation. The authorities are also looking into the backgrounds of the accused and any prior history of conflicts or criminal activities.
Community leaders and activists have condemned the murder and the subsequent violence. Maulana Farooq was a respected figure, both in Navi Mumbai and his native Pratapgarh, known for his religious teachings and community service. His brutal murder has not only shocked the local community but also raised concerns about the law and order situation in the region.
Mufti Mamun Qasmi, son of the deceased, expressed profound grief and called for calm and cooperation with the authorities. “My father was a man of peace and devotion. We urge everyone to remain calm and allow the police to do their work. We trust that justice will be served,” he said.
Local politicians and community leaders have also weighed in, urging for swift justice while calling for peace. “The brutal murder of Maulana Farooq is a heinous act, and we demand that the culprits be brought to justice without delay,” said a local MLA. “At the same time, we appeal to the community to maintain peace and not take the law into their own hands.”
