Police have started examining a viral video accusing slain vendor Mohammad Athar of theft, a move his family calls character assassination
NAWADA — Days after street vendor Mohammad Athar died after brutally assaulted by a mob in Bhattā village of Roh block in Bihar’s Nawada district, police have begun examining a viral video that levels theft allegations against the deceased, drawing sharp criticism from his family and community members.
Athar was lynched on the night of 5 December by a group of villagers. The killing triggered anger among local Muslims and opposition leaders, who accused the administration of failing to protect a poor vendor and demanded strict punishment for those involved.
Police have so far arrested 11 people in connection with the lynching, including five named and six unidentified accused. Yet, the latest development has shifted focus towards a 20-second video circulating on social media, in which Athar is allegedly accused of theft.
A senior police officer said the video is being checked from a “theft angle”. “A short clip has surfaced on social media. We are examining it as part of the investigation. All aspects are being verified,” the officer said.
Athar’s family has strongly objected to the police action, calling it an attempt to blame the victim instead of addressing the crime. His wife, Shabnam, who filed an FIR on 6 December, said the viral video was being used to divert attention.
“My husband was killed in cold blood. Now they are trying to show him as a thief. This is injustice even after death,” she said. “If there was any complaint, why was he not handed over to police instead of being beaten to death?”
Local residents said Athar earned his living as a hawker and was well known in nearby villages. “He used to sell household items. He was poor but honest,” said a neighbour. “The mob decided his fate without law.”
Before his death, Athar gave a statement describing the cruelty he faced. According to the family, he said the attackers stripped him to check his religion, burned his body with heated iron rods, and cut part of his ear with pliers.
“He told us they wanted to know his religion. When they found he was Muslim, they tortured him more,” a relative said. Athar later died in hospital due to severe injuries.
These details have deepened fear among Muslims in the area, who see the killing as a hate crime. Community leaders said the violence reflects a pattern where mobs act as judge and executioner, often targeting Muslims on suspicion alone.
Police confirmed that 11 people have been arrested so far and assured strict action. “Those involved will not be spared. The investigation is ongoing,” an official said.
However, rights activists questioned why police are now focusing on allegations against the victim. “Mob lynching is murder, regardless of any accusation. Even if there was suspicion, the law does not allow mobs to kill,” said a Patna-based activist.
Opposition leaders also criticised the move. “Instead of fixing responsibility for the lynching, the system is putting the dead man on trial,” said a local leader. “This sends a dangerous message.”
As the investigation continues, Athar’s family and the wider Muslim community are demanding that the case be handled with fairness, dignity, and without prejudice. “We want justice, not excuses,” Shabnam said.
