In a shocking case of apparent religious profiling, 32 Muslim children along with a senior guardian from Maida Babhangama village in Bihar were detained by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) at Mokama railway station on Monday. The group, en route to Jamia Zakariya Madarsa in Surat, Gujarat for Islamic education, was held for nearly 14 hours in a prison cell on unverified suspicions of child labour trafficking.
Eyewitnesses and family members said the children were targeted due to their traditional Islamic attire—kurta-pajama and skull caps. Despite producing valid student ID cards and madarsa admission documents, the RPF reportedly dismissed the proof and proceeded with the detention.
“The kids had just returned home for Eid and were on their way back to Surat. Even after presenting all necessary documents, the authorities refused to listen,” said Qaisar Rehan, a local resident who spoke to Maktoob.
A viral video circulating online shows the children sitting on the floor of a cell, visibly shaken and distressed. Locals claimed they were denied access to visitors and food during the ordeal. “They were crying, starving, and terrified,” said another resident who attempted to intervene but was warned of arrest by police.
Amin, another concerned villager, revealed that when they demanded the children’s release, the police threatened to jail them as well. “We told them—either let them go or take us too,” he recounted.
Following immense pressure from locals and community leaders, the children and their guardian were finally released late at night. The trauma, however, remains fresh. “We were just crying. We didn’t even know what was happening,” said one of the young students.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with community members accusing the RPF of religious discrimination and mishandling. Many are demanding a formal apology and accountability for the unlawful detention and mental harassment caused.
As of now, the RPF and local police have not issued any official statement on the matter.
