3 May, Posted at 8:44 PM IST
The body of An Islamic cleric who had once spoken out against mob lynching was found near railway tracks in Bareilly — with his family alleging he was killed in a mob attack even as an old video of him warning about such violence resurfaces online.
A 30-year-old Islamic cleric from Bihar, Maulana Tausif Raza Mazhari, was found dead near railway tracks in Bareilly on April 26, 2026, sparking controversy and raising serious questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to initial reports, UP Police have described the incident as an accident. However, the family of the deceased has strongly disputed this claim, alleging that he was subjected to mob violence and thrown from a moving train.
The case has gained further attention after an old video of the cleric resurfaced online. In the video, he is seen speaking about the issue of mob lynching and urging the Muslim community to raise their voice and engage politically.
Family members, including his wife Tabassum Khatoon, have claimed that there were disturbing developments during the incident. They allege that a troubling phone call and video interaction took place around the time of the incident, though these details were under investigation.
Police officials in Bareilly have stated that, following concerns raised by the family, “necessary legal action” will be taken. Authorities have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and that all angles are being examined.
The incident has triggered concern and debate, particularly in the context of mob violence and public safety.
Mohammed Naseer Giyas is a multi-media and bilingual journalist with over 20 years of experience across print, digital, and television media. Founder of Raftaar-e-Deccan, he is an alumnus of IVLP, Thomson Reuters Foundation, and ICFJ, and has worked with leading English and Urdu news organisations.
