A 47-year-old Muslim street vendor named Akbar Mondal was killed with an axe in Purulia district of West Bengal on June 9, according to a report by The Wire. His family claimed that the murder was linked to rising anti-Muslim sentiment and fear-based politics in the state. Police, however, denied any communal motive behind the killing.

Akbar’s son, 20-year-old Julfikar, said his father was attacked while selling steel utensils in Supurdihi village. He was allegedly beaten with a stick and then struck with an axe by an unknown assailant. Julfikar, who also works as a hawker due to poverty, said the incident has deeply shaken their family and community. He added that some locals had previously forced them to chant religious slogans and threatened their livelihood.

Julfikar has demanded a thorough investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible. The area, known as Jangalmahal, has a history of political movements and remains economically vulnerable.