– Akhilesh Tripathi
Lucknow: The death of Maulana Syed Mohammad Jafar Masood Nadwi, General Secretary of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow and a renowned Islamic scholar, has sparked controversy, with allegations suggesting it may have been more than a tragic accident. A close relative of the Maulana has lodged a complaint with the police, suspecting foul play. Consequently, an FIR has been filed, and authorities have launched an investigation.
Maulana Jafar Masood tragically lost his life on Wednesday evening in a road accident in Raebareli. He was traveling with his companion, Abdul Qadir, on a motorcycle when they were struck by a car on the Lucknow-Prayagraj highway near Chhajlapur. Eyewitness accounts suggest the car hit the motorcycle twice, leaving both Maulana Jafar Masood and Abdul Qadir with severe injuries.
Uttar Pradesh BJP State Minister Abhijat Mishra, who was traveling on the same route, witnessed the incident and attempted to chase the car. However, the fleeing vehicle also collided with Mishra’s car before escaping at high speed. The car driver abandoned the vehicle a short distance from the scene and fled.
Despite the presence of police personnel nearby, they reportedly failed to act promptly, allowing the driver to escape. The injured were later transported to the district hospital, where Maulana Jafar Masood succumbed to his injuries. Abdul Qadir was referred to a hospital in Lucknow for advanced treatment.
The Mill Area Police have taken the abandoned car into custody and are investigating its owner and driver. Rumours suggest that the driver may have been initially detained and then released, but the police have denied these claims.
According to Mill Area SHO Rajeev Singh, a case has been registered against the unidentified driver of the car, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend those involved.
The news of Maulana Jafar Masood’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the Islamic educational community. Thousands gathered at his residence in Takiya Maidanpur, Raebareli, to pay their respects. Prominent figures, including Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahli and colleagues from Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, attended his funeral.
The Maulana was laid to rest on Thursday in his native village, Takiya Maidanpur. His death has left a deep void, with many mourning the loss of a humble, learned scholar known for his intellectual contributions and simplicity.
Following the funeral, Mohammad Yusuf, a close relative of Maulana Jafar Masood, alleged that the death was not accidental but a premeditated act. This statement stirred public concern and prompted police action. Raebareli SP Dr. Yashveer Singh described the case as “high-profile” and assured a thorough investigation, even if the family does not file a formal complaint.
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An FIR has been lodged against the unidentified driver of car number UP-32-BZ-5566. Preliminary investigations have traced the car to a resident of Jagatpur police station limits in Raebareli district. However, the driver remains at large, and efforts to locate him are ongoing.
Speculation remains rife among attendees of the funeral, many of whom suspect foul play in Maulana Jafar Masood’s death. The truth will only emerge after the driver is apprehended and the investigation is concluded.
