After Nawada violence, hate attack on Mohammad Murshid Alam from Supaul raises serious questions over public safety and police response
MADHUBANI — Barely days after the Nawada incidents, Bihar has witnessed another disturbing case of violence against a Muslim, with a labourer in Madhubani district narrowly escaping death after a mob attack that residents say was driven by hate and religious bias.
The victim, Mohammad Murshid Alam, a daily wage worker from Supaul district, was attacked on New Year’s Day after being branded a “Bangladeshi” by a group linked by locals to Hindu outfits. He was beaten badly by nearly 50 people and is now fighting for his life in hospital.
Murshid, a resident of Shankarpur Ward No. 14 under the Veerpur police station area of Supaul, had travelled to Madhubani in search of work. His father has been identified as Abdul Jalil.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Murshid recalled the horror of that night. “I had gone out to buy some goods from a shop when suddenly a group surrounded me. They abused me and kept shouting that I was a Bangladeshi. Before I could say anything, they started hitting me,” he said.
According to Murshid, the violence grew worse when the attackers realised that he was a Muslim. “When they heard my name and my community, their anger increased. Around 50 people chased me. I ran for nearly three kilometres but they caught me and beat me again,” he said, his voice shaking.
He also alleged that the mob threatened him with ritual killing. “They said they would take me to a Kali temple and sacrifice me. I thought I would die that night,” Murshid said.
After hours of violence, the attackers allegedly dumped him in a deserted area and fled. Bleeding and unconscious, Murshid was later spotted by local residents, who rushed him to hospital. Doctors have described his condition as serious.
A local resident, who did not wish to be named, said the attack had shocked the area. “This man had come here only to earn his bread. Beating someone like this just on suspicion is inhuman. Today it is him, tomorrow it can be anyone,” he said.
Police have confirmed that a case has been registered at Rajnagar police station. A senior officer said, “An FIR has been lodged based on the victim’s statement. The matter is under investigation and action will be taken against those involved.”
The incident has led to tension in parts of Madhubani, with members of the Muslim community expressing fear and anger. Many say such attacks have made ordinary life unsafe. “If a labourer is not safe while buying groceries, what protection do we really have?” asked another resident.
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has strongly condemned the attack. Party national spokesperson Adil Hasan said the incident showed a deep failure of law and order. “Beating an Indian citizen by calling him a Bangladeshi is an attack on humanity. This man belongs to Bihar, yet he was treated like an enemy,” Hasan said.
He demanded swift arrests and strict punishment. “All the accused must be arrested at once. If such mobs are not stopped, this violence will spread. Justice for Murshid is a test for the state,” he added.
Rights activists point out that this is not an isolated case. In 2025 alone, at least three major mob attacks have been reported in Bihar, with Muslims as victims. Most of these incidents have taken place in Nawada district.
In December, Mohammad Athar Hussain, a 35-year-old Muslim hawker, was attacked in Bhatta village under Roh police station in Nawada. Witnesses said the mob checked his clothes to confirm his religion before beating him. He later died from his injuries. Police arrested eight people after public pressure.
In another case the same year, Altaf Ansari was beaten to death in Nawada after a minor bike collision. His family alleged that the dispute turned deadly because of religious hate.
Community leaders say a pattern is now clear. “These attacks follow the same script. A Muslim is stopped, called Bangladeshi or outsider, and then beaten by a crowd,” said a local activist. “Silence will only encourage such groups.”
As Mohammad Murshid Alam struggles to recover, many in Bihar are asking how long Muslim citizens will continue to live under the shadow of suspicion and mob anger, and whether the state will act before another life is lost.
