December 15, 2025
PATNA – Mohammad Athar Hussain, a 40-year-old cloth merchant who was brutally injured in a mob lynching in the Nawada district of Bihar on 5 December, succumbed to his injuries late Friday night while undergoing treatment at Biharsharif Sadar Hospital.
Athar’s statement, recorded on camera before his death detailing the horrific incident, has sparked outrage in the state.
As per Athar’s account, he was waylaid on 5 December by six to seven intoxicated youths in Bhatta village under Roh Block. They first asked his name and, upon hearing it, forcibly pulled him off his bicycle and robbed him.
He was then tied up, locked inside a room, and subjected to extreme brutality. His pants were removed and his private parts were checked. Petrol was poured on him, and several parts of his body were burned with a red-hot iron rod. His fingers and hands were broken. Later, the number of assailants increased to 15-20.
Athar was initially admitted to Nawada Sadar Hospital and was later referred to Biharsharif, where he eventually died.
Following his death, Athar’s wife, Shabnam Parveen, has been pleading for justice along with her children. “My husband was killed only because his religion was different. We did not receive any support from the administration. We want justice,” she said.
Shabnam stated that she filed an FIR at the Roh police station at around 8 pm on 6 December. She alleged that earlier that morning, a separate FIR was registered falsely accusing Athar Hussain of theft.
She further alleged that there was a deliberate attempt to portray her husband as a criminal, whereas the truth is that he was targeted after confriming his name and religion. She also claimed that the administration provided no substantial support following the incident.
Roh Police Station in-charge Ranjan Kumar said an FIR has been registered in connection with the incident. So far, four accused, Sonu Kumar, Ranjan Kumar, Sachin Kumar, and Shri Kumar, have been arrested, and efforts are underway to trace the remaining absconding accused. He added that the matter is being investigated seriously.