Muslim Woman Dies in Bihar After Being Forced to Drink Water Mixed With Alcohol While Fasting in Ramadan
Key Takeaways
- The woman died on March 1, a day after the alleged assault by a mob in Bihar’s Madhubani district.
- The son of the village head, Mannu Singh, has been named in an FIR that has since been upgraded to alleged murder.
- Police have denied the more serious allegations while confirming her death, saying investigations are ongoing.
A Muslim woman lost her life in Bihar’s Madhubani district on March 1, one day after she was allegedly attacked by a mob while observing her Ramzan fast.
She Went Seeking Justice — and Was Attacked
Khatoon had approached the village pradhan seeking help with a dispute involving her family members. Rather than receiving assistance, she allegedly became the target of a violent attack.
Videos circulating online show Mannu Singh, the son of the village head, tying her to a pole and repeatedly assaulting her and members of her family in full view of a large crowd.
Eyewitnesses described the scene with disbelief. “People saw what was happening, but the beating continued. She was helpless and kept asking them to stop,” one resident told reporters.
Another local said: “Instead of listening to her complaint, some people began beating her. It was shocking for the entire village.”
Forced to Break Her Fast in the Cruelest Way
Khatoon was fasting at the time of the attack. When she asked for water — a basic human need — she was allegedly handed water mixed with urine and alcohol, forcing her to break her Ramzan fast.
Police Deny Key Allegations
The Station House Officer of Ghoghardiha police station pushed back on the more serious claims.
Speaking to reporters, he said the allegations were being circulated to create uncertainty in the village following her death. He confirmed Khatoon had died but dismissed the accounts of what had taken place as rumours.
The contradiction between the officer’s denial and the video evidence currently under police inspection has drawn considerable scrutiny from l.
From Attempted Murder to Alleged Murder
Khatoon’s neighbour, Rustam, filed a complaint on the night of February 28, and an FIR was registered against Mannu Singh under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita — covering attempt to murder.
After Khatoon died the following day, Section 103 was added to the case, formally elevating the charge to alleged murder.
“Investigations are ongoing. We still do not have all the details cleared,” the SHO said.
Authorities are currently awaiting the postmortem report, which they expect will provide clearer answers on the cause and exact circumstances of her death.
