A violent confrontation took place at Imarat-e-Shariah, one of Bihar’s leading Muslim organizations, as members of the Shura, backed by Janata Dal-United (JDU) leaders and police, stormed the Patna office demanding the removal of the Amir of Shariah. This incident coincides with the organization’s decision to boycott the official Iftar hosted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in protest against his stance on the controversial Waqf Bill. The presence of a heavy police force at the site fueled allegations that the attack was state-backed, with Muslim groups condemning it as an assault on religious leadership and autonomy.

In a statement, Imarat-e-Shariah accused JDU leaders, including Ahmad Ashfaq Karim and several prominent Maulanas, of orchestrating a deliberate attack on the institution across Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The statement labeled the operation as an attempt to undermine the resistance against the Waqf Amendment Bill and impose JDU-backed figures in leadership positions. The group also warned of “far-reaching consequences” for Muslim political and religious leadership if such actions continue. Meanwhile, a rival faction announced the appointment of Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi as the new Amir-e-Shariat, citing the previous leader’s foreign citizenship and alleged mismanagement of the organization.

The incident has sparked outrage across political and religious circles, with leaders from AIMIM, CPI(ML), and RJD condemning the attack. RJD MLA Syed Faisal Ali accused Nitish Kumar’s government of attempting to seize control of Muslim institutions after losing the community’s trust. AIMIM Delhi President Dr. Shoaib Jamai called it a “shameful act” and alleged that BJP, through its alliance with JDU, was targeting Muslim organizations in Bihar. CPI(ML) leader Mehboob Alam claimed the attack proved Nitish Kumar had become a puppet of the BJP. With tensions escalating, the clash at Imarat-e-Shariah has become a flashpoint in Bihar’s political and religious landscape.