By Ayesha
A Muslim rickshaw driver died after he was allegedly assaulted following a dispute over parking his vehicle outside a shop in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district, police and family members said, prompting protests and demands for swift action against those responsible.
The deceased, identified as Jamil Akhtar, was a resident of Sitamarhi.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred on Friday evening after Akhtar allegedly parked his rickshaw on the roadside outside a shop. A dispute reportedly broke out over the parking, following which he was assaulted.
Family members told Millat Times that Akhtar was beaten by four men, whom they identified as Raja Kumar, Batto Kumar, Sonu Kumar and another individual. They said he sustained critical injuries and was taken to hospital, where he died on Saturday.
Police told Millat Times that they have launched an investigation and arrested one of the accused, Sonu Kumar. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest the remaining suspects, they said.
“The investigation has been initiated and one accused has been arrested,” a police official said, adding that the exact sequence of events would be established after the investigation.
The incident triggered protests by local residents, who accused the authorities of delaying the registration of the case and demanded the arrest of all those allegedly involved.
Akhtar’s daughter accused four men of killing her father and demanded justice.
“We will continue our protest until we get justice. We want the District Magistrate and the Deputy Superintendent of Police to meet us. The government should ensure that those responsible for my father’s death receive the death penalty,” she said.
Akhtarul Iman, president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in Bihar and a state legislator, alleged that more than a dozen people had been killed in mob lynching incidents since the current government took office.
“The authorities should ensure a speedy trial in such cases, and those found guilty should be given the death penalty. The government should also provide compensation of 5 million rupees to the victim’s family,” he said.
Police said they were verifying the allegations by recording witness statements and examining other evidence. Authorities said legal action would be taken against those found responsible following the investigation.
The incident has raised concerns among local residents over violent disputes turning fatal, although police have not indicated any motive beyond the reported parking dispute, and the circumstances surrounding Akhtar’s death remain under investigation.
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