A 70-year-old vegetable vendor was beaten to death in a busy market in Bihar’s Jehanabad district on Wednesday, following a dispute over a Rs 15 toll payment. The killing, which took place in front of the victim’s minor grandson, has sparked widespread condemnation and raised fresh concerns about public safety and communal tensions in the state.
Mohammed Mohsin, a familiar face at the Kako village market, was reportedly confronted by a man named Vicky Patel, who demanded a Rs 15 market toll. Mohsin, who had only Rs 10 with him at the time, requested to pay the remainder later. Eyewitnesses say Patel responded violently, grabbing a dumbbell and repeatedly striking the elderly man in the stomach and head. Mohsin died on the spot.
Despite the attack occurring in full view of bystanders, no one intervened. Witnesses claim Mohsin’s body lay unattended in the market for hours, as vendors and shoppers continued with their routines. The lack of response has drawn criticism from activists and community leaders, who see it as a troubling reflection of public indifference and poor law enforcement.
Police have registered a case under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to murder. However, as of Thursday, the accused had not been apprehended. The delay in arresting Patel has led to questions about the efficacy of the police and alleged political interference.
Adding to the controversy, images have surfaced on social media showing Patel with senior BJP figures, including Bihar’s Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha. While there is no official confirmation of any connection, the photos have led to accusations of political patronage shielding the accused.
Opposition leaders have seized on the incident to criticize the state government. Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi called the killing a symbol of Bihar’s deteriorating law and order, referring to the incident as an example of “real Jungle Raj.” He also called for an impartial investigation and swift action against the perpetrator.
The case has intensified ongoing debates about law enforcement in Bihar, where minor altercations often spiral into deadly violence. Civil society groups and local residents are demanding accountability and faster justice, warning that delays risk further eroding public trust in the legal system.
As investigations continue, Mohsin’s family is left mourning the loss of a father and grandfather, while pressure mounts on authorities to act decisively in the face of growing public anger.
