9 months ago

UP Govt's Move to Withdraw Akhlaq Lynching Case Sparks Outrage

UP Govt's Move to Withdraw Akhlaq Lynching Case Sparks Outrage
Looking for Akhlaq in Bisada: Deserted house, tight-lipped neighbours, accused in jobs · indianexpress.com

Eight years after Mohammed Akhlaq was lynched in Bisada over alleged cow slaughter, the UP government has moved to withdraw charges against all the accused.

Akhlaq's family has left the village and the accused have 'moved on' with their lives, while villagers prefer not to discuss the case.

Akhlaq's family lawyer and political leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi have criticized the government's move, alleging political motives.

Key facts

Victim
Mohammed Akhlaq
Date of Lynching
September 28, 2015
Accused
19 people, including Vishal Rana, Shivam, Gaurav Sisodiya, Saurav Sisodiya, Dr Arun Sisodiya, Vivek, Sachin, Ravi Sisodiya, Puneet Pandit, and others
Charges
Murder, attempt to murder, rioting, assault
Accused's Status
Out on bail since March 2017, government recommends withdrawal of charges
Akhlaq's Family Status
Left Bisada for security reasons, lives in undisclosed locations

Quotes

Asaduddin Owaisi

Leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) party

“According to the government, this decision is in the interest of ‘social harmony’; but harmony is impossible on the foundation of injustice.”
indianexpress.com
“In 2015, Akhlaq was lynched in Dadri on the false accusation of possessing beef. At that time, Indians didn’t even know what lynching meant. Today, lynching has become commonplace. Akhlaq’s family witnessed his lynching with their own eyes; they still haven’t recovered from that trauma. In ten years, no one has been punished. Now @myogiadityanath has decided that the cases against Akhlaq’s killers will be withdrawn.”
indianexpress.com

Sources

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