Seven-Year-Old Shazeb Ali Found Murdered in Azamgarh; Neighbour Arrested, Tensions Rise

A tragic incident in Azamgarh district left residents reeling on Thursday, September 25, after the body of seven-year-old Shazeb Ali was discovered in a sack hanging from a tree near his home. Shazeb, the son of Mukarram Ali, had been reported missing the previous day.

Police identified the accused as Sandeep Nigam (alias Mantu), a neighbour. Authorities reached the scene quickly after receiving information and began a formal investigation. The child’s body has been sent for post-mortem and forensic examination.

Family members described Shazeb as a quiet, studious boy who rarely went out alone. His mother, Jasmeen, was distraught at the site, saying, “I have lost my gentle, innocent child,” and recalling how he would run to her whenever she called.

Tensions quickly rose in the locality, with some residents demanding the accused’s house be demolished. Jasmeen told reporters she wanted the state government to act decisively and warned of possible unrest if local authorities failed to respond. Police have appealed for calm and warned against any vigilante action.

Shazeb’s paternal aunt claimed police had initially delayed registering a missing-person complaint, asking the family to wait 24 hours. Officials, however, say standard procedures were followed and stress that a full, transparent inquiry is now under way. Forensic teams are collecting evidence to establish the sequence of events.

A strong police presence has been deployed in the area to prevent communal tensions from escalating. Local administration officials said they are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates after the post-mortem and further investigations. The accused remains in custody as charges are prepared.

The community has been left shaken by the loss. Local leaders and residents have urged a swift and impartial investigation, calling for justice for the child while also appealing for peace and restraint in the neighbourhood.