New Delhi: A delegation of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), comprising lawyers and human rights activists, has visited the families of victims killed in separate mob lynching incidents in Bihar’s Madhubani and Siwan districts, calling for prompt investigations, accountability, and support for the affected families.
The delegation undertook the visit to assess the progress of investigations, provide legal assistance, and express solidarity with the bereaved families.
In Madhubani district, the team first visited Pulparash village, where Roshan Khatoon was allegedly assaulted by a mob on Feb. 25, 2026. According to her family, the attackers included the village head. The family alleged that Roshan Khatoon, who was observing a fast at the time, was denied timely protection and assistance by the police and did not receive urgent medical care following the attack. She later succumbed to her injuries.
The delegation expressed concern over the fact that the only accused arrested in the case has reportedly been granted bail by a lower court, raising questions about the pace of justice and accountability in the matter.
The APCR team also met the family of Qayoom, a daily wage labourer from Jhanjharpur in Madhubani district, who was killed on Jan. 13, 2026. According to APCR, Qayoom was attacked and killed near his home while searching for work. The organisation noted that despite the seriousness of the crime, only one accused has been arrested so far.
The delegation further highlighted the difficult circumstances faced by Qayoom’s family, stating that his widow and four young children have not yet received compensation, rehabilitation assistance, or other forms of state support. APCR said it has been providing legal aid to the family and urged the Bihar government to ensure that all statutory benefits and rehabilitation measures are extended to the victim’s dependents.
In Siwan district, the delegation visited the family of Shahzad Ali, who was allegedly abducted and lynched by a group of villagers. According to allegations made by his family and the FIR filed by his wife, Mobina Khatoon, Shahzad Ali was forcibly taken away, tied to a tree, and subjected to a severe assault that resulted in his death.
The family has alleged that several key accused named in the case have not yet been arrested. During its visit, the APCR delegation met officials at Badhariya Police Station and submitted a memorandum demanding a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation into the case. The memorandum also called for the immediate arrest of all accused persons and adequate protection for the victim’s family and witnesses.
Condemning the incidents, APCR said delays in investigations, arrests, compensation and witness protection weaken public confidence in the rule of law. The organisation urged the Bihar government and law enforcement authorities to ensure justice for all three families, bring the perpetrators to account, and provide immediate compensation and rehabilitation support to the victims’ dependents.
APCR said it would continue to pursue all available legal remedies and closely monitor the progress of the cases to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
