Pratapgarh: In a disturbing incident in Sonepur village, under the Jethwara police station, about 30km from Pratapgarh district headquarters in Uttar Pradesh, Maulana Mohammad Farooque, a 70-year-old madrasa owner, was brutally murdered on Saturday morning over a monetary transaction related to a land dispute.

Incident Overview
According to media reports, Maulana Farooque had provided money to Chandramani Tiwari, a farmer, for the purchase of land. However, Tiwari sold the land to another party, leading Farooque to confront him at his house. During this confrontation, Tiwari and his associates attacked Farooque with an iron rod and other blunt objects, resulting in his immediate death.

Response and Investigation
According reports, local residents discovered Farooque's blood-soaked body and were enraged, blocking the police from taking the body for post-mortem. Angry villagers gathered, demanding harsh actions against the perpetrators, including the demolition of Tiwari's house. The police had to use mild force to disperse the crowd, which had resorted to pelting stones and damaging the door of the accused’s house.

Senior administrative and police officials, including the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, arrived at the scene to calm the situation. They assured the crowd that strict action would be taken against the accused. The body was later sent for post-mortem and subsequently handed over to the family for final rites.

Legal Action
An FIR has been registered against five individuals, including Chandramani Tiwari, based on a complaint by Farooque's son, Mohammad Asad. A woman is also among the accused. The assailants fled the scene after the crime, locking their house, which is approximately 300 meters from the victim’s residence. Police teams are actively searching for the accused and raids are underway to nab them.

Community Impact
The incident has significantly heightened tensions in the Muslim-dominated village. Police and administrative officials are camping in the village to monitor the situation. The victim, Maulana Farooque, was well-regarded in the community and came from a well-off family.

Background of the Dispute
Initial investigations revealed that Farooque had purchased land from Tiwari around seven years ago but had not taken possession of it. Tiwari continued using the land for cultivation and recently borrowed more money from Farooque. According to Farooque’s nephew, Mohammad Sajid, Tiwari had invited Farooque to his house on Saturday to resolve the issue, but the discussion turned violent, leading to the fatal attack.

Demands and Assurances
The victim’s family has demanded compensation of Rs 50 lakh, a government job for a family member, and the arrest of the accused. Senior officials have assured the family that their demands would be considered.

Current Status
Superintendent of Police, Pratapgarh, Satpal, stated that the situation is under control and that the police are making all efforts to apprehend the culprits. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are awaited on this heinous act that has shocked the community and escalated regional tensions.