Call for Probe into Unnatural Deaths Linked to Nakshbandi Thareeqath Exit

Quick Summary

• A group of former members of the Naqshbandi Thareeqath, a Sufi order based in Kozhikode’s Koduvally, has urged a police inquiry into alleged human rights violations and suspected unnatural deaths linked too the organization.
• Allegations include social ostracism and harassment for violating Thareeqath rules, which complainants claim led to “untoward incidents,” including suspected suicide attempts.
• The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has registered a case and requested a report from Kerala Police. field-level investigations are currently underway.
• Former member Riyas Azeez highlighted several harrowing experiences faced by his family after exiting the group, including allegations of tampered evidence related to suspicious deaths in Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode districts.
• Mohammed Fazil from Malappuram claimed members who leave face extreme punishments such as excommunication or social boycott, deterring them from contacting family members or seeking justice openly.
• A senior Thareeqath functionary dismissed these accusations as baseless claims by individuals unable to maintain required traditions within the group.

Indian Opinion analysis

the request for an official investigation into Naqshbandi Thareeqath highlights pressing concerns about balancing individual freedoms with deeply entrenched religious practices in India’s sociocultural landscape. Allegations surrounding human rights violations-excommunication, harassment, or even suspected incitement leading to unnatural deaths-could bring broader attention not just to accountability issues within religious orders but also systemic legal challenges when bridging tradition with modernity.

The involvement of Kerala State Human Rights Commission signals growing institutional scrutiny over cases tied to religious orthodoxy and potential abuse under its guise. This could pose significant implications for governance models ensuring personal freedoms while respecting community practices.

Given that police have reportedly collected statements from affected individuals and promised an initial investigation report soon, transparency will be key moving forward-for both complainants advocating reformative actions against entrenched practices and community leaders wanting fairness amidst such disputed claims.

Read more: Published – August 25, 2025 08:24 pm IST