31 July 2024: In a tragic incident, a 22-year-old Muslim man named Samiullah Shaikh was allegedly beaten to death and left near a mine in Jugigadiya village, Pakur district, Jharkhand, on Monday night. The violence was sparked by accusations of mobile theft, reported the Clarion India.
The lynching incident came to light when villagers discovered Shaikh lying near the mine and informed the Mufassil police station on Tuesday. Although Shaikh was still alive when found, he succumbed to his injuries en route to the police station.
According to reports, a group of 5-6 individuals brutally assaulted Shaikh with sticks, leaving him unconscious. The police have detained three individuals in connection with the incident: Suraj Marandi, Anil Hembram, and Babudhan Murmu.
Sanjeev Kumar Jha, the officer in charge of the Mufassil police station, confirmed that Shaikh suffered multiple injuries from the beating. An FIR has been registered, and the investigation is ongoing as police work to gather more evidence and testimonies to ensure justice is served.
Shaikh’s family expressed their grief, stating that the victim was alive when they reached him. “We were informed about the incident in the morning. Shaikh’s family members reached the spot where he was lying unconscious. He died on his way to the police station. We brought the dead body home,” a relative said.
Political leaders and activists have criticized the Hemant Soren government for its inability to prevent such incidents. Mohammed Shakir, state president of All India Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), highlighted the recurring violence, stating, “Despite having a so-called secular government in the state, not a single month goes by without lynchings of Muslims.”
Kashif Bharti, state president of Azad Samaj Party, attributed the rise in lynchings to hate speeches by Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leaders. “The continuous statements against Muslims by leaders like Nishikant Dubey and Babulal Marandi are becoming the reason for these killings. If this continues, Bhim Army Azad Samaj Party (K) will be forced to launch a state-wide movement,” Bharti warned.
This incident adds to the growing number of mob violence cases in the region, raising concerns about the safety and security of minority communities.
