Lynching on the Rails: Family, Muslim Youth League Demand Justice for Slain Bihar Imam

Leaders from the Indian Union Muslim League's youth wing visited the family of Maulana Tausif Raza Mazhari, a young Islamic scholar from Bihar who was allegedly lynched by a mob on a moving train in Uttar Pradesh. The delegation, led by Adv. Shibu Meeran, demanded a quick investigation, immediate arrests, and stronger laws against lynching. They met the family in Thakurganj, Bihar, where the scholar's wife, Tabsum Khatoon, shared her husband's final moments.

According to the family, Maulana Tausif was returning from a religious event in Banaras when he was attacked by a Hindu right-wing mob inside the train near Bareilly. Tabsum stated that her husband called her during the attack, saying people were hitting him, before his phone turned off. She called all night, and the next morning, police informed her of his death. The family claimed that Uttar Pradesh Police first tried to call it an accident. They said a police report was only filed after Tabsum went to Bareilly herself. An audio message from Tausif during the attack, where he could be heard crying for help, remains on her phone.

Tausif's father expressed shock that no one had been arrested despite the attack happening on a train. The Muslim Youth League delegation promised to pressure police to speed up the investigation and arrest the accused. They also offered legal help and said they would ask the Bihar government to give Tabsum a job. Until then, they arranged temporary work for her at a local school.

The death has drawn strong reactions, with several political leaders condemning the attack and calling for justice. Adv. Shibu Meeran stated that such mob attacks are becoming common in BJP-ruled states and that police often protect the accused. He announced plans to protest and demand strict new laws to stop mob killings.