A Muslim man was killed and his brother seriously injured after a mob brutally attacked them over alleged animal theft in Khanua Mohalla of Ahitoli area of Chhapra, under the Nagar police station limits in Saran district of Bihar.
According to reports, the attack was triggered after the stolen animal was allegedly recovered from a nearby area called Kasai Toli (Butcher’s area), leading to a mob brutally assaulting two brothers, Zakir Qureshi and Nihal, on Sunday.
The area around the Khanua canal, where many from the Kasai (butcher) and Kunjra (vegetable seller) communities live, has seen past tensions over animal theft allegations.
A mob consisting of 50–60 people tied Zakir with a rope and brutally assaulted him with rods, leaving him critically injured.
Photos circulating of the victim reveal extensive injuries, including heavily bruised, swollen, and discoloured skin with abrasions and possible lacerations, multiple bruises and scratches with dark purple and black marks, likely caused by beating with rods, sticks, bats, or wickets.
Nihal remains in critical condition and is currently undergoing treatment at Patna’s PMCH hospital, Saran.
The medical report stated “Injury due to assault.”
Following the news of Zakir’s death, residents of the Khanua area staged protests that led to clashes with the police.
The police stated that, based on the statement of the injured Nihal Qureshi, a case (No. 250/25) was registered at Nagar police station on May 12, 2025, under Sections 126(2), 115(2), 125(B), 109, 103(1), 352, 351(2), and 3(5) of the BNS.
A special police team conducted raids and arrested the two main accused, Pankaj Kumar and Mintu Rai, who confessed to the crime, according to Dr. Kumar Ashish, Senior Superintendent of Police, Saran.
Other accused individuals include Sujit Kumar, Prince Rai, Pappu Rai, and several unknown persons.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects, and authorities have assured that the culprits will soon be brought to justice,” said the police on Tuesday.
