Family alleges hate crime; Zakir Qureshi, accused of cattle theft, was tied with a rope and severely thrashed. His brother sustained severe injuries. Two prime suspects are now in custody
CHAPRA – A horrifying case of mob violence has shaken the town of Chapra in Bihar, where a Muslim youth, Zakir Qureshi, was beaten to death in broad daylight at the weekend (11 May). His brother, Nihal Qureshi, was also brutally beaten up and ended up with severe injuries. The incident took place in Khanua Mohalla under the Nagar police station area. His family alleges that Zakir was falsely accused of cattle theft and he and his brother were targeted due to their Muslim identity.
According to the Saran police, a violent clash occurred between two groups, during which Zakir and Nihal Qureshi were attacked with sticks. Zakir was rushed to Sadar Hospital in Chapra but succumbed to his injuries. Nihal is battling for his life.
The police registered a case the following day based on Nehal Qureshi’s statement. Case number 250/25 was lodged at Nagar police station under various sections of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 126(2), 115(2), 125(B), 109, 103(1), 352, 351(2), and 3(5).
Speaking to reporters, a senior police officer confirmed that the two main accused, Pankaj Kumar and Mintu Rai, have been arrested. They have admitted to their role in the attack. “Further investigation is ongoing, and raids are being conducted to nab the remaining accused. We will ensure the guilty are punished through a fast-track trial,” he said.
However, the victim’s family strongly disagrees with the official version.
According to Zakir’s brother, the attack was not a simple fight between two sides, but a planned and communal act of violence. “My brother was innocent. He was not involved in any theft. These men, Pankaj and Mintu, spread lies that he stole cattle. They tied him with a rope and beat him with rods. This is murder, this is lynching,” said Nihal.
He added, “When I tried to stop them, they attacked me too. They wanted to kill both of us. The police came very late. Had they arrived in time, Zakir would still be alive.”
Neighbours and other locals who witnessed the incident also echoed the family’s claims.
“Zakir was attacked by around 50-60 people. They tied his hands and beat him with rods, breaking both his legs and back. They attacked him because they said he was a ‘miya’ (Muslim),” a friend of Zakir said.
One resident, on condition of anonymity, said: “There was no theft. These men had a personal grudge. They used religion and rumour to turn the crowd violent. It was shocking to see such brutality on our street.”
The killing has triggered widespread anger in the local Muslim community, with calls for justice and safety. Local social activists have described the incident as a hate crime.
Sajid Ansari, a community leader, said: “This is not the first time such a thing has happened. Muslims are being targeted again and again under the false pretext of cow theft. We demand immediate and strict action. The law must not be soft on those who spread communal hatred.”
He further added, “Mob lynching is becoming normal in Bihar. This incident has broken the trust of many Muslims living here. The government must respond firmly.”
So far, no major political leader from the state government has commented on the case, drawing criticism from civil society.
Fatima Parveen, a local college lecturer, remarked: “Where are the so-called leaders of ‘good governance’? When a Muslim is lynched in public, why is there silence? Is this the Bihar we are proud of?”
She continued, “This was not just an attack on one man. It was an attack on humanity. A government that cannot stop such acts is failing its people.”
While two arrests have been made, the family of Zakir is demanding that all culprits be identified and punished. They have requested protection for themselves, fearing retaliation.
“We want safety and justice. The others involved must also be arrested. We cannot live in fear,” said Zakir’s mother, who broke down while speaking to the press.
As Bihar continues to witness incidents of violence and mob justice, the killing of Zakir Qureshi has once again raised serious questions about law, order, and the safety of minorities in the state.
