New Delhi: Several opposition lawmakers in India have demanded a high-level investigation into the suspicious death of a Muslim cleric, found near railway tracks in Uttar Pradesh following an alleged assault on a moving train, escalating pressure on authorities to address conflicting accounts of the incident.
According to Kashmir24, Maulana Tousif Raza Mazhari, a resident of Bihar, was found dead near Bareilly railway station in Uttar Pradesh on April 26 while returning from a religious gathering. His family has said that he was beaten by fellow passengers before being thrown off, a claim initially rejected by police, who described the death as an accident.
Congress MP Dr. Mohammad Jawed said the case reflected a serious breakdown in law enforcement and demanded accountability. “This is not an accident, rather a documented assault. In his final call, Maulana Tousif Raza clearly said he was being beaten and repeatedly sought help while others stood by,” he said, adding that the case raises concerns about a broader pattern of hate.
Echoing similar concerns, another lawmaker, Imran Pratapgarhi, described the incident as deeply disturbing, pointing to the victim’s final video call. “The deceased’s wife claims he informed her he was being beaten. Right after the call ended, his body was recovered,” he said, urging a thorough investigation.