AJMER: A 30-year-old Muslim cleric was murdered by three unidentified masked assailants in Ajmer city's Kanchan Nagar. The mosque where the maulvi resided also housed six children, who were threatened and forcibly removed from the premises by the perpetrators.
The deceased, identified as Maulvi Mohammad Mahir, had been serving at the Ajmer Masjid for seven years, primarily teaching children. The heinous act has instilled fear within both the local region and the community, prompting protests demanding swift justice for the deceased.
Ajmer SP Devendra Kumar Bishnoi assured that an investigation is underway and every possible measure is being taken to apprehend the culprits. "This is a case of senseless violence, and we are utilising all available technical and investigative resources to identify the perpetrators," said Bishnoi. Additional police personnel have been deployed to maintain peace and order in the area.
Eyewitnesses reported that the masked assailants gained entry to the mosque through the rear entrance and targeted the room where Maulvi Mohammad Mahir was resting. Alongside him were six children, whom the assailants initially threatened before forcing them out of the room. They proceeded to fatally assault Maulvi Mahir with sticks before fleeing the scene with his mobile phone.
Ravindra Kichi, SHO of Ramganj police station, said, upon receiving the alert, law enforcement swiftly responded to the scene. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team was deployed to gather evidence. Additionally, the FSL team discovered two bloodied sticks behind the mosque, one of which bore traces of blood. The body of Maulvi Mohammad Mahir has been transferred to JLN Hospital for post-mortem examination. Sniffer dogs were used to trace the escape route of the assailants.
Police investigations revealed that Maulvi Mohammad Mahir, originally from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh had assumed the role of the mosque's head maulvi six months prior, following the passing of Imam Zakir. It was also uncovered that internal disputes within the mosque committee may have contributed to the tragic event.
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