A shocking incident of brutality has surfaced in Balrampur, Chhattisgarh, where Islamist Mukhtar Ansari, in an alleged act of revenge, brutally murdered a Hindu family, including a 17-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy with an axe. Based on the reports from OpIndia, the skeletal remains of the victims were discovered in a paddy field 45 days after they went missing, shedding light on a gruesome and heartbreaking crime that highlights the predatory dangers posed by Islamist extremist elements.
On September 27, Surajdev Thakur, a resident of Kusumi village, reported the disappearance of his wife Kaushalya Thakur (35), daughter Muskan Thakur (17), and son Mintu Thakur (5). Despite filing a missing persons complaint, the Balrampur Police initially failed to register a criminal case, raising allegations of negligence.
Investigations later revealed that Muskan, a minor, was in a relationship with Islamist Arif Ansari, the younger brother of the accused Mukhtar Ansari. Arif, a contractor originally from Jharkhand, had reportedly been staying at the Thakur family’s home, taking advantage of their hospitality under the guise of Ganga-Jamni secular culture. The relationship was confirmed through call records and messages.
Mukhtar Ansari, angered by the fact that Arif had stopped sending money to their family due to his involvement with Muskan, allegedly hatched a heinous plan to exact revenge. Reports suggest Mukhtar’s rage was further fueled by his father’s deteriorating health, as Arif failed to contribute financially to his treatment despite the family’s dire need.
On the night of September 27, Mukhtar arrived in Kusumi and persuaded Muskan, her mother, and her young brother to accompany him. Under the pretence of goodwill, he led them to a location in Dahejwar village. When the victims were asleep, Islamist Mukhtar launched a brutal attack, striking them multiple times with an axe on their heads and foreheads. The mother, daughter, and son were killed in cold blood.
To cover his tracks, Mukhtar disposed of the bodies in a drain within a paddy field filled with water. The decomposition was concealed due to the water, preventing any immediate spread of odour. It was only 45 days later, on November 15, that the skeletal remains were discovered by the field’s owner, who alerted the authorities. The remains included skulls, bones, and fragments of clothing such as sarees and trousers.
The Balrampur Police acted swiftly after the discovery, arresting Mukhtar Ansari and presenting him before the court. A five-day remand was secured for further interrogation. Authorities are also investigating the extent of Arif Ansari’s involvement in the conspiracy.
Balrampur Superintendent of Police (SP) Vaibhav Banker confirmed the sequence of events and stated that the recovered evidence, including call records, messages, and the victim’s belongings, corroborated the accusations against Mukhtar. The recovered nails and pellets from the murder site have been sent for forensic analysis. Last year, Gau Sevak Sadhuram Yadav was brutally murdered by an Islamist in a shocking act of religious extremism.
This horrific crime has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among Hindu organizations, who are demanding stringent action against the Islamist perpetrators. The Balrampur Police has faced severe criticism for its initial negligence, as the delay in registering a criminal case may have allowed Mukhtar to cover his tracks. The acts of religious extremism and violence perpetrated by radical elements and predatory Islamists must be condemned unequivocally. It is imperative for authorities to take strict and immediate action to ensure justice for the victims and prevent such heinous acts in the future.
