– Raheem Khan
3 May 2024: The tranquil city of Ajmer was jolted by the ruthless killing of Imam Hafiz Mahir (28), who was savagely beaten to death by three assailants wielding sticks in the early hours of April 27. The beloved Imam, affiliated with Muhammadi Madina Masjid, met a tragic end, sending shockwaves through the community and plunging it into mourning.
Hailing from village Raipur in Uttar Pradesh, Hafiz Mahir’s family suspects that discontented individuals, unhappy with his appointment at the mosque and madrasa, orchestrated the heinous crime to seize control over the institutions. The deceased had reportedly received threats from these dissatisfied parties, indicating a possible motive for the murder. However, authorities have clarified that the incident does not appear to be driven by communal or hate speech.
The attackers, reportedly masked, gained entry through the mosque’s back door around 2 am, launching a vicious assault before fleeing the scene, leaving behind a trail of horror. While the police have recovered evidence linked to the crime, including the murder weapons, no arrests have been made thus far.
Muhammad Aamir, the brother of the deceased, revealed that Maulana Mahir, in a speech during Ramadan, had declared the transaction of interest as haram for Muslims. A person, who is in the money-lending business, wanted to get some fans installed in the mosque and madrasa, but the Maulana, citing Islamic injunction, did not allow it. Aamir has been vocal about the threats his brother received and has provided authorities with the names of individuals who openly expressed intentions to harm Hafiz Mahir. Despite this vital information, law enforcement has yet to apprehend any suspects, intensifying the frustration and anguish within the community.
In the wake of the tragedy, condolences and offers of assistance have poured in from various quarters. The Tahafuze Namuse Risalat team, in particular, reached out to the Imam’s family, extending support and pledging legal aid to expedite the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
As the investigation unfolds, the police remain committed to uncovering the truth behind the senseless murder of Imam Hafiz Mahir, and bringing those responsible to justice.
