The family of Mohammad Akhlaq, a Muslim man lynched by a Hindu mob in Uttar Pradesh, India, in 2015, is continuing their pursuit of justice following a recent move by authorities to drop charges against the accused. Akhlaq, then 50, was killed after rumors circulated that he had stored and consumed beef, which his family denies. The slaughter of cows is a controversial issue in India, where cows are considered sacred by the predominantly Hindu population.
The incident occurred in Dadri, approximately 49 km from Delhi, and was one of the first highly publicized cases of cow-related violence in India, provoking national outrage. Initially, 18 individuals were charged with offenses, including murder and rioting, but all were later released on bail. Presently, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Uttar Pradesh has requested a local court to dismiss the charges, citing inconsistencies in witness testimonies.
On December 12, the court is expected to rule on this application, which has garnered shock from Akhlaq’s family, as they are prepared to contest the government’s appeal. Akhlaq’s brother, Jaan Mohammad, expressed concerns about their safety and the potential implications of dropping the case, highlighting the emotional weight of the incident.
The violence began when a mob attacked Akhlaq and his son Danish, accusing them of cow slaughter following an announcement from a local Hindu temple. While Akhlaq was killed, Danish sustained serious injuries. Although arrests were made shortly after the attack, the chargesheet was not submitted for three months, raising questions about the investigation process.
The current state of the case also reviews conflicting witness statements, as family members provided differing accounts regarding the number of accused. Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh government contends that insufficient evidence supports the charges, although Akhlaq’s family continues to maintain their innocence regarding the cow slaughter allegations. They have expressed hope for justice as they await the court’s decision.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3delkdjkqo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss