ISLAMABAD, January 17 (APP): On 7 January 2025, a 45-year-old Muslim man, identified as Pappu Ansari, was brutally beaten to death by a mob in Jharkhand’s Godda district of India over alleged cattle theft. Lynching and mob violence linked to accusations of cattle theft or beef-related activities have been a persistent problem in Jharkhand and other parts of India.
According to details, the attack occurred in India’s Matihani village, within the jurisdiction of Poraiyahat police station. The victim was a resident of Ranipur village, under Pathargama police station, where he was assaulted by a group of men who accused him of stealing cattle. He died at the scene due to his injuries.
The victim’s family alleged that the attack was religiously motivated, claiming that he was specifically targeted after the attackers learned his name and realized he was Muslim, and that the cattle theft allegation was a pretext.
This incident reflects a pattern of similar violence in the area. In 2018, for example, two men were beaten to death on suspicion of cattle theft in Godda district, highlighting the longstanding tensions and communal undertones associated with such accusations.
Previous Incidents
- Mohammed Akhlaq, Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, September 28, 2015: Lynched by a mob over beef storage rumors in his fridge; his son was severely injured.
- Alimuddin Ansari, Ramgarh, Jharkhand, June 18, 2017: Beaten to death on suspicion of cow smuggling.
- Pehlu Khan, Alwar, Rajasthan, April 1, 2017: Attacked by cow vigilantes while transporting cattle; died from injuries.
- Sheikh Halim, Mohammad Sajjad, Seraj Khan, Naim, Shobhapur, Seraikela Kharsawan, Jharkhand, May 18, 2017: Four Muslim cattle traders killed by mobs.
- Akbar Khan (Rakbar), Alwar, Rajasthan, July 20, 2018: Died in custody after mob assault over cow smuggling allegations.
Recent Cases (2025)
- Salman, location unspecified (likely Uttar Pradesh), early 2025: Lynched by villagers on robbery suspicion, died from beatings.
- Mohammad Sharif, Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, March 15, 2025: Assaulted by Holi revelers during Ramadan, later died.
- Irfan Ansari, Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, around March 2025: Killed amid communal clashes and vehicle torching
India has witnessed numerous reported incidents of Muslims being lynched, often linked to accusations of cow slaughter, beef possession, or child kidnapping rumors, primarily in northern and western states. These cases highlight patterns of mob violence amid rising communal tensions. Victims are predominantly Muslim men targeted by Hindu vigilante groups.
The Modi government is directly responsible for such incidents. It is complicit in violence against Muslims because it enables and protects those who carry out these attacks, while Modi government representatives actively fueling hatred against Muslims. This mindset is reflected in statements like those made by India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval at the Developed India Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, where he delivered a highly controversial and inflammatory address claiming that “India’s history is filled with the atrocities of foreign invaders; our villages were burned, our civilization was destroyed, our temples were plundered, and we remained silent spectators.”
Doval further said, “We never attacked others, yet we were repeatedly humiliated, and therefore we must avenge our history.” Addressing the youth, he added, “Every young person should carry the fire of revenge within them; revenge itself is a form of power, and we must settle the score for these injustices.”