Ajmer, 27 April (HS):Maulana was murdered in a mosque in Ajmer at around 2 a.m. on Friday night. Three masked miscreants have committed the crime. Six minors were also in the mosque at the time of the incident. The miscreants threatened these children and said that if they screamed, they would kill you too. After this, those children were thrown out of the room.

Ramganj police station in-charge Ravindra Khegi said that Maulana Mohammad Mahir (30) lived in Mohammadi Madina Masjid, located in Kanchan Nagar of the Ramganj police station of the city. Some children were also living with them. When the children came out screaming at around 3 o'clock in the night, the people nearby came to know about the incident. After this, the police got information. Ramganj police station in-charge Ravindra Khegi said that the three miscreants had entered through a path behind the mosque. After this, they killed Maulana and fled through the same route. He said that when a search was conducted at the spot, even his mobile phone was not found. There is a fear that the children may not call anyone, so they also took their mobile phones with them. The station in charge said that the reasons for the murder have not been revealed yet. There is an enclosure behind the mosque, from which two sticks have been recovered. Along with this, nearby CCTV footage is being scrutinized. The dog squad team has also been called to the spot.

Qasim, a child living in the mosque, told me that all of them were sleeping in the room at night. Maulana Mahir was also sleeping with him. Suddenly, three miscreants entered the room with sticks. All three had their faces covered with clothes. All those children woke up. The miscreants threw him out of the room by threatening to kill him. After this, Maulana Saheb was killed by beating him with a stick. After this, they fled through the back way. Qasim told me that when he went into the room, Maulana Saheb was unconscious. They came out screaming and informed the people nearby about the incident.

Neighbour Sharif told me that Maulana Mahir had come here from Rampur (UP) about seven years ago. I used to stay here and teach children. His family lives in Rampur only. Here, he lived alone. 15 children lived with Maulana in the mosque. Due to Eid, all the children had gone to their homes. The day before yesterday, the children returned from the village and came to Ajmer. On October 28, the chief Maulana of the mosque, Zakir Hussain, died due to deteriorating health. After this, the responsibility of the chief maulana of the mosque was given to Mohammad Mahir. After receiving information about the murder of Chief Maulana, Ajmer South Police Vice President Omprakash also reached the spot. On the information of officials, the FSL team was also called. A large number of people from the Muslim community had also reached the mosque. Considering the situation, the police have deployed additional forces here. The people of society have demanded immediate action from the police and the arrest of the accused. Maulana's body has been kept in the mortuary of JLN Hospital, Ajmer.

Hindusthan Samachar/ Indrani Sarkar