A shocking incident occurred in Udhopur village, under the jurisdiction of Gauri Bazar police station in Deoria district, during Bakrid. An elderly man sacrificed himself after offering Bakrid prayers.
Deoria: A startling and emotionally charged event unfolded in Udhopur village, Gauri Bazar police station area, Deoria district, Uttar Pradesh, on Bakrid. A 60-year-old man attempted to offer himself as a sacrifice, mirroring the animal sacrifices performed during the festival. This rare and heart-wrenching incident not only shocked the villagers but also became a topic of widespread discussion in the region.
Ish Mohammed, son of the late Mohammed Barsati Ansari, a resident of Udhopur village, was known for his religious devotion. Every year, before Bakrid, he visited the famous dargah of Sultan Syed Makdoom Ashraf Shah in Kichhaucha Sharif, Ambedkarnagar. This year, he returned from the dargah on Friday afternoon and offered morning prayers on Saturday, Bakrid. However, what followed stunned everyone.
A Solitary 'Sacrifice'
After prayers, Ish Mohammed returned home and went to rest in his hut as usual. About an hour later, cries of pain emanated from his hut. When his wife, Hajra Khatoon, entered, she saw Ish Mohammed writhing in pain, blood pouring from his throat. In his hand was the knife used for slaughtering goats. Overwhelmed by the sight, his wife fainted, raising an alarm.
Villagers immediately rushed to the scene and informed the police and ambulance. Ish Mohammed, in critical condition, was first referred to Deoria Medical College and then to Gorakhpur Medical College, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
A Shocking Suicide Note
The true reason behind this tragic incident came to light when police found a letter written by Ish Mohammed. The letter read: "A human raises a goat like their child, nurtures it, and then slaughters it as a sacrifice. It is also a living being. Sacrifice is necessary, but today I am offering myself as a sacrifice in the name of Allah's messenger. Grant me peaceful rest, do not worry. No one is killing me."
The letter made it clear that Ish Mohammed took this step driven by religious faith and a deep personal belief. The police classified it as a suicide driven by religious superstition, but villagers consider it the extreme manifestation of his "excessive devotion."
Mourning in the Family
Ish Mohammed is survived by his wife, Hajra Khatoon, three sons – Ahmad Ansari, Mohammed Faiz, and Taj Mohammed – and their wives. His family described him as a calm, deeply religious man who often prayed in solitude and avoided harming any animals. This sentiment likely led him to his decision.
Gauri Bazar Station House Officer, Nanda Prasad, stated that a thorough investigation is underway. Preliminary investigations indicate that Ish Mohammed took this step in a premeditated manner, having already informed his family through a letter. The police have sent the body for post-mortem and are recording statements from the family.
