Mother of 20-year-old Muslim in Bihar alleges he was killed in police custody

The death of 20-year-old Faiz Anwar, a Muslim youth from Mohiuddinpur in Bihar’s Siwan district, while in police custody has sparked widespread anger, with accusations of torture, procedural violations, and government inaction.

Anwar, the son of Mohammad Aslam, was arrested on July 31, 2025, in connection with a previous theft case. Two days later, on August 2, police reported his death, stating that he had fallen ill, was taken to a hospital, and allegedly died by suicide there.

His family disputes this account, insisting that he was severely beaten in custody and that his death was intentional. Saif Ali, Anwar’s elder brother, told Maktoob that the body had visible injuries, including deep marks on the neck that suggested strangulation. He said he had repeatedly tried to visit his brother in custody but was turned away by police three times.

According to him, when he was finally allowed to see him, it was only to witness officers removing Faiz’s body from the jail, without even informing him that it was his brother, Maktoob Media reported.

Ali recounted that when he tried to find out if the person being taken away was his brother, police confirmed it was Faiz but only told him that he had collapsed inside the jail hospital and was being shifted to another hospital.

According to Ali, when the family reached Sadar Hospital, Faiz was declared dead, and both the hospital staff and police kept directing them to each other for answers. The family then staged a protest with Faiz’s body outside the hospital, demanding an explanation for his death.

Ali said that it was only after the protest that police claimed Faiz had died by suicide. He also alleged that authorities withheld the post-mortem report for more than three days — a delay that legal experts say breaches basic custodial death procedures and suggest a possible cover-up.

The family, he added, has been attempting to lodge a formal complaint ever since.

The family managed to submit a written complaint at the Mofassil Police Station on August 8, 2025, but no FIR has been filed so far.

In a written appeal to the District Magistrate, Anwar’s mother, Zaida Khatoon, alleged that her son was killed in police custody and called for an investigation.

When Maktoob reached out to the police for comments on the matter, there was no response.

Ali has called for a judicial inquiry, a CBI investigation, and the immediate suspension of all officers who were on duty during Faiz’s detention.

The incident underscores persistent concerns over custodial practices in Bihar, where inadequate oversight often results in procedural safeguards being neglected.

The family has demanded the release of all documents related to Faiz’s arrest, detention, hospital treatment, and death.

So far, no police personnel have faced suspension or questioning, and no formal investigation has been initiated.

For Faiz’s family, who are still awaiting the post-mortem report and a clear explanation for his death, justice continues to be out of reach.