An 8-year-old Muslim boy Rizwan Qureshi who was arrested by Bihar police on 8 September following anti-Muslim riots broke out in Siwan, Bihar, has not been released yet. The boy was sent to the city’s Bal Sudhar Grih. The minor was arrested four days ago along with his 70-year-old ailing grandfather who reportedly underwent two surgeries recently. Rizwan’s mother who said that Bihar police are demanding money to release him, said that the news of arrest was shocking. “My son along with his grandfather went to offer namaz and on the way police picked them. It was after the violence irrupted. We were not aware of this and it was only at 11 pm we get to know that both were in police custody,” Rizwan’s mother said to Meezan Media.“The cops did not allow to have a conversation with my child,” she said. “I visit them again after the court officials told me to bring documents of my child there. I met my boy and he started crying and asked me when he can go back home,” she said. “Cops demanded 12000 rupees to release Rizwan. From where do I arrange this huge amount of money? We are poor and we cannot afford this,” she added.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP