Wave of attacks on Muslim hawkers sparks fear in Bihar
Patna: A series of violent attacks against Muslim hawkers and daily wage workers in Bihar has caused deep fear and anger, with families saying poor community members are being targeted on mere suspicion, abused in public, and attacked without protection.
According to Kashmir Media Service, fresh cases from Katihar, Saharsa and Madhubani show a disturbing pattern where Muslim vendors and labourers were beaten, robbed, shot, or even killed, leaving their families struggling for justice.
In Katihar district, a young Muslim utensil seller, Akram Rehman, was beaten, called “Bangladeshi” and robbed of INR 12, 000 on January 11 in Chakla village. Rehman said that two local youths stopped him, abused him, and hit him with sticks after accusing him of being Bangladeshi. When women who were buying utensils objected, the attackers threatened them as well, Rehman said from his hospital bed. Family members say the attack was driven by hate and fear created around Muslim identity. “My son went to sell utensils, not to fight. Calling him Bangladeshi was an excuse to beat and loot him,” a relative said.
In Saharsa, a biscuit seller, Mohammad Mujahid, was shot during a robbery attempt. Rushed to hospital in critical condition, he remains under treatment. “My brother sells biscuits for an honest living. They looted him and then shot him. What crime did he commit?” asked a family member.
The deadliest case occurred in Madhubani, where Mohammad Qayoom, a young Muslim man, died after being beaten in Pattitol village. Police claim it was a road accident, but his family disputes this, citing multiple injuries and demanding accountability. “This was not an accident. He was beaten by many people. His body had injury marks,” a grieving family member said. “Why is the truth being hidden?”
Rights activists say these attacks highlight a troubling trend: poor Muslim hawkers and workers are being treated as suspects rather than citizens. “Those selling utensils, biscuits, or small goods are being targeted solely because of their identity,” a local social worker said.
The incidents have created widespread fear, with many hawkers now avoiding work after dark.
