This case that came to light from Nawada in Bihar is shocking to humanity. The kind of cruelty meted out to 40-year-old Mohammad Athar Hussain, a hawker selling clothes, stunned the entire area. It is alleged that some youths first asked the name, then removed their pants and checked their religion and then tied their hands and legs and beat them mercilessly. Hussain died during treatment.
This incident took place on December 5 near Bhatthapar village of Roh police station area. Hussain was originally a resident of Gagandiwan in Laheri police station area of Bihar Sharif and used to sell clothes by hawking in Nawada for the last 20 years. On December 7, he gave a statement on camera and narrated his ordeal, which has now become an important evidence in this case.
According to Hussain, while returning home after ferrying, 6-7 youths surrounded him. All were said to be drunk. First the name was asked, then 8 thousand rupees were looted. After this, his hands and feet were tied and locked in a room.
Hussain said in the statement that the attackers beat him badly with bricks and rods. Fingers and hands were broken during the fight. The cruelty did not stop here. It is alleged that his nails were pulled out and his ears were cut with pliers. According to the statement, the attackers removed their pants and examined their private parts and inserted rods and petrol into them. The body was attacked with hot iron rods. Later, a crowd of 15-20 people beat him up, strangulated him and beheaded him.
Someone informed the police, after which the police reached the spot at around 2.30 in the night and Hussain was taken to the hospital. He was treated in critical condition, but he died on Friday.
Hussain’s wife Shabnam Parveen has filed an FIR against 10 named and 15 unidentified people. Many names including Sonu, Ranjan, Srikumar are included in the FIR. Police have so far arrested 4 accused, while the search for the rest is ongoing.
Police say that the case is being thoroughly investigated and the remaining accused will also be arrested soon. This case raises serious questions not only on law and order but also on social harmony.
