‘He told them his name…’ says family; Ghaziabad Muslim teen’s killing sparks allegations of communal motive

Police have arrested two men; family alleges the teen was targeted after revealing his Muslim identity and demand encounter and bulldozer action against the accused

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GROUND REPORT

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Mohammad Siraj and Sarim Ansari

A narrow dirt lane with uneven cement tiles leads into a working-class settlement on the outskirts of Loni, Ghaziabad. At its far end stands a small two-storey brick house, still partly unfinished. The ground floor doubles as a buffalo shed, and the dim interior carries the weight of a tragedy that unfolded days ago.

Inside, women break down in grief while relatives and neighbours gather in silence. Outside, a group of men – elderly and middle-aged stand clustered around 17-year-old Mohammad Zaid’s grieving father, offering quiet support.

Nearby, local activists have set up a video call with a community leader, who appears on screen assuring the family of help as they demand justice. The atmosphere is heavy with shock, anger, and disbelief.

The killing of 17-year-old Mohammad Zaid on June 29 has sparked outrage in Loni, with residents alleging he was abducted and beaten to death after identifying himself by name following a minor traffic dispute. Police have arrested two men and registered a murder case. The family alleges Zaid was targeted after identifying himself and is demanding stricter action. Police say the investigation is ongoing. 

The family said the incident began while Zaid and two friends were travelling on a motorcycle. Police said the motorcycle grazed a hatchback belonging to a property dealer near the Banthla area of Ghaziabad, triggering an argument between the occupants of the vehicle and the teenagers. 

Shaukat, Zaid’s father, said there was no prior enmity with anyone involved.

“There was no enmity and no prior acquaintance,” he said.

According to him, two men inside the car got out and began slapping the teenagers. Zaid reportedly apologized and offered ₹700–₹800 to cover any damage.

“He told them if there was any loss, he would pay,” Shaukat said.

The family said the men initially accepted the money and took the motorcycle key, seemingly settling the matter. But they later called Zaid back to the roadside under the pretext of returning it.

Family members allege the attackers asked Zaid his name before forcing him into their vehicle and believe his Muslim identity became a factor after he identified himself. Police have not publicly confirmed a communal motive. 

Alleged abduction and killing

Family members allege Zaid was forced into the attackers’ vehicle and taken to an office linked to a property dealer, where he was assaulted. Police have also said one of the accused took Zaid to his office after the roadside dispute, though they have not described the incident as an abduction. 

By the time others reached the location, he had already sustained fatal injuries, Shaukat said.

“They were still beating him even after he had died,” he said, adding that the attackers warned the family to remove the body immediately or face consequences.

Fearful, relatives transported Zaid in an e-rickshaw to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. A second hospital later confirmed his death.

Inside the house, grief has overtaken everyday life. Zaid’s mother, Shakeela, said her son left home saying he would return shortly after taking a bath.

“He was such a good son,” she said. “He supported the entire family.”

The family depends on a small dairy business, with buffaloes housed on the ground floor. Zaid played a central role in managing both the animals and household responsibilities while continuing his studies.

“He was the one holding everything together,” Shakeela said.

Residents described him as a disciplined, helpful teenager with no known disputes.

“He had no enemies,” said Aris, a school friend. “He was like a brother to me.”

Owais Pradhan, a local resident, said Zaid balanced school with daily family work.

“The family depended on him completely,” he said.

Questions over probe

Police have confirmed two arrests and said the investigation is ongoing, but have not publicly said whether anyone else is being investigated.

Family members and residents, however, believe the inquiry should extend beyond the two arrested men.

Bhupmani, a local resident, said more people may have been involved beyond the two arrested suspects.

“They took him to their office. Others must have been there,” he said, calling for a wider investigation.

The investigation has also fuelled wider demands for stronger action in the locality 

The incident has triggered strong reactions in the locality, with residents and family members demanding swift and severe punishment.

Many have appealed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, seeking action similar to other high-profile cases in the state involving encounters and demolition of properties.

“We want the same kind of justice,” Shaukat said.

At one point, activists connected a video call with a local leader who assured the family of support and promised to raise the matter further.

As funeral arrangements proceeded, some locals alleged that police pressured the family to complete the burial quickly and did not allow them to stage a sit-in on the road. Authorities have not responded to the claim.

“We were waiting for justice before the burial,” a resident said.

The family said they wanted stronger action before the final rites but ultimately proceeded amid mounting pressure.

Family’s loss

Zaid’s sister Nazima recalled speaking to him shortly before he left home. She said he promised to return quickly and even bring her a cold drink.

“He said he would come back soon,” she said. “He never did.”

The family said they now face an uncertain future. Zaid was their primary support, helping sustain both income and household stability.

Shakeela said her demand remains unchanged.

“I want an encounter,” she said. “They finished my son.”

She also demanded demolition of the property where the alleged assault took place, saying it remains untouched.

The family’s demand comes amid recent police action in a similar case in the region that has fueled debate over “encounter” killings. On May 31, the main accused in a Ghaziabad teen murder case, identified as Asad, was killed in an encounter in the Khoda area, police said.

Authorities said Asad had been absconding after allegedly stabbing a 17-year-old boy during a May 28 altercation on Bakrid in Ghaziabad, which led to the teen’s death the following day.

Police said a reward had been announced for his arrest and claimed he opened fire during an operation, prompting retaliatory fire in self-defense.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing following the arrest of two suspects and that further legal action will depend on the evidence collected. Officials have not publicly commented on whether additional people are under investigation or on the family’s allegation of a communal motive.

For now, in the unfinished brick house at the end of the narrow lane, grief continues to linger over a family struggling to come to terms with the loss of the teenager they say held their lives together.