Imam’s suspicious death sparks outrage, highlights ongoing violence against Muslims in Modi’s India
Lucknow : The mysterious death of a Muslim cleric from Bihar has triggered widespread concern, with family members and political leaders pointing to foul play and linking the incident to a broader pattern of violence against Muslims in India under Narendra Modi.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Maulana Tausif Raza Mazhari, a 30-year-old madrasa teacher and imam from Kishanganj district of Bihar, was found dead near railway tracks close to Bareilly railway station in Uttar Pradesh on Friday. He had travelled to Bareilly to attend the Urs of Tajusharia and was returning home when the incident occurred.
Family members have rejected initial claims by local police that the cleric may have fallen from a moving train, stating instead that he was assaulted and thrown off. Their claims have gained traction following the emergence of an audio recording of his final phone call to his wife, Tabassum.
In the recording, the imam can be heard in a distressed state, saying, “They’ve caught me… they’re saying all sorts of abusive things,” while describing that a group of men had grabbed and beaten him inside the train compartment. He repeatedly urged his wife to contact the police, stating that other passengers were present but “no one is helping.”
Despite this, police initially denied any signs of assault, suggesting the death was accidental. However, after the family arrived and raised concerns over the nature of injuries, authorities said legal action would be taken upon receipt of a formal complaint.
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from political leaders. Kishanganj MP Mohammad Jawaid termed it a “documented assault,” pointing to a recurring “pattern of hate”. He said that inaction against those targeting Muslims raise serious questions about the state’s commitment to ensuring equal protection under the law. He called for a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation.
Similarly, AIMIM Bihar chief Akhtarul Iman described the incident as “extremely shocking” and demanded a high-level probe. Bhim Army chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad also highlighted contradictions between the victim’s last call and the official version, urging authorities to conduct a fair and transparent inquiry.
Observers say the incident underscores growing concerns about the safety of Muslims in India, particularly amid increasing reports of violence, harassment, and targeted attacks. They argue that such cases, coupled with conflicting official narratives raise serious questions about accountability and justice.
