Two Minors Detained for Allegedly Murdering Cleric’s Family

Police in Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh, have detained two minor students in connection with the brutal murder of a cleric’s wife and their two daughters. The incident occurred on October 12, 2023, when the boys allegedly attacked the family using a hammer and a knife at their residence within the mosque premises.

The victims have been identified as Israna (30), the wife of cleric Ibrahim, and their daughters, Sofia (5) and Sumaiya (2). The attack reportedly stemmed from the boys’ grievances over frequent reprimands and physical punishment from the cleric. The situation escalated when the two minors chose to strike back during Ibrahim’s absence in Deoband.

The horrifying event came to light when children arriving for their daily lessons at the mosque discovered the lifeless bodies of Israna and her daughters. Superintendent of Police Suraj Kumar Rai stated that the bodies were found in their home located within the mosque complex of Gangnauli village. After conducting a swift investigation, police identified the two minors as the perpetrators of this tragic crime.

According to the police, the detained students confessed to the attack, indicating that their actions were driven by ongoing mistreatment from the cleric. The boys reportedly used a hammer to strike the victims before stabbing them with a knife. Both the hammer and knife used in the assault have been recovered by authorities.

In response to the severity of the incident, police mobilized seven teams, successfully solving the case within six hours. A formal case has been registered against the minors, and investigations are ongoing. The bodies of Israna, Sofia, and Sumaiya have been sent for postmortem examinations to determine the exact cause of death.

Ibrahim, who has served at the Badi Masjid in Gangnauli for the past four years, hails from Sunna village in Muzaffarnagar district. His wife Israna was known for teaching children within the mosque’s compound, making this incident all the more shocking for the local community.

As authorities continue their investigation, the community remains in a state of disbelief and mourning over the tragic loss of life.