Guwahati: Bihar police have arrested eight individuals in connection with the alleged mob lynching of Mohammad Athar Hussain, a 50-year-old cloth vendor from Gagan Dewan locality in Nalanda district, who died at Pawapuri Hospital on December 12, 2025.
Hussain was reportedly attacked on December 5, 2025, in Bhattapur village under Roh police station limits in Nawada district.
Police said the assault may have been linked to his religious identity. A case was registered on December 6, 2025, based on a complaint by Hussain’s wife, Shabnam Parveen, who named ten people in the FIR and claimed her husband was beaten on allegations of theft.
The case has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including unlawful assembly, rioting, grievous hurt, abetment, common intention, and murder charges following Hussain’s death.
According to Hussain’s brother, Mohammad Shakib, Hussain had been returning home around 7 p.m. when his bicycle tyre punctured near Bhattapar village.
He approached a group of people by a bonfire asking for directions to a repair shop.
Shakib said the men asked Hussain’s name, and after he identified himself, they attacked him with a burning piece of wood, cut his ears, fingers, and toes with pliers, and brutally beat him.
Hussain was allegedly dragged indoors, assaulted further, and an iron rod was inserted into his body. He was left on the roadside at midnight after being beaten for hours.
Hussain was taken to the Primary Health Centre in Roh, then referred to Nawada Sadar Hospital, and finally to Pawapuri Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Shabnam Parveen described her husband as the family’s sole breadwinner and called the assault inhumane. “We have three small children. How will I support them now? Even animals are not beaten like this. The culprits should face the maximum punishment,” she said.
Nawada Superintendent of Police Abhinav Dhiman issued a statement on December 13, saying a special team led by the Sadar SDPO arrested four accused within 24 hours and detained four more following further investigation.
All eight are in judicial custody, and police are conducting continuous raids to apprehend the remaining suspects.
The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) condemned the incident, with spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed criticizing the state government for failing to prevent mob violence based on religion and caste.