The alleged beating to death of Muslim cloth trader Athar Hussain, who earned his livelihood as a street vendor in Bihar’s Nawada district, after his religion was reportedly asked, has raised serious questions over the state’s law and order situation. The incident has triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties, who have launched a scathing attack on the Nitish Kumar government and Home Minister Samrat Choudhary, demanding strict punishment for those responsible.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) state spokesperson Ejaz Ahmad termed the incident a “crime that shames humanity,” alleging that criminals in Bihar no longer fear the law or the administration. He claimed that people are being killed after being asked about their religion and caste, which clearly indicates that the rule of law in the state has weakened.
Referring to the Nawada incident, Ejaz Ahmad said the silence of the government and the administration raises several serious questions. He demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and the conduct of a speedy trial to ensure exemplary punishment, so that such incidents can be prevented in the future.

Meanwhile, CPI (ML) state secretary Kunal also strongly condemned the killing of Mohammad Athar Hussain by a mob in Nawada. He alleged that incidents of mob violence and bulldozer action have increased in Bihar since the Home Minister assumed charge. Kunal warned that if the NDA government is dreaming of implementing the ‘Yogi model’ in Bihar, it would prove dangerous for democracy and the Constitution.

CPI (ML) has demanded that all those involved in the murder be punished at the earliest through due judicial process, that security and compensation be provided to the victim’s family, and that bulldozer actions in the state be stopped immediately. The party also demanded that the Home Minister publicly respond to the deteriorating law and order situation.

The Nawada incident has emerged as a matter of deep concern not only for one family but for society as a whole. Repeated instances of mob violence have sparked a serious debate over the rule of law and social harmony in Bihar.