Archive · 15 Nov 2025
UP Govt Seeks to Withdraw Charges in Akhlaq Lynching Case
In 2015, a man named Mohammad Akhlaq was killed by a mob in a village called Dadri.
People in the mob believed that he had killed a cow and kept its meat at his home.
The police later charged 15 people with his murder.
The meat found at Akhlaq's house was tested, and a report said it was from a cow.
Now, about 10 years later, the government of Uttar Pradesh wants to drop the charges against the 15 people accused of killing him.
They filed a request to the court to withdraw the case.
However, the family of Akhlaq had said that the meat samples might have been mixed up.
The court will decide whether to accept the government's request or not.
Until then, the trial is still going on, and people accused are out on bail.
The Uttar Pradesh government has applied to withdraw charges against 15 individuals accused in the 2015 lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq in Dadri.
Mohammad Akhlaq was killed by a mob on September 28, 2015, following rumors of cow slaughter and storing beef at his home.
A forensic report stated that the meat recovered from Akhlaq's home belonged to a cow or its progeny, though his family alleged sample switching.
The withdrawal application was filed on October 15 with the government's approval, and the court has scheduled a hearing for December 12.
All 15 accused in the case are currently out on bail, and the trial, including witness testimony, is ongoing.
- Who
- The Uttar Pradesh government and the accused in the Mohammad Akhlaq lynching case.
- What
- The Uttar Pradesh government has applied to withdraw charges against 15 individuals accused in the 2015 lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq. The application was filed on October 15, and the court has set December 12 for a hearing.
- When
- Lynching occurred on September 28, 2015. Withdrawal application filed on October 15, 2023. Hearing scheduled for December 12, 2023.
- Where
- Bisada village, Dadri, Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- The government cited a forensic report confirming the meat found in Akhlaq's home was beef. The victim's family had alleged sample switching.
Government
Accused and Victim's Family
Withdrawal of Charges
Government
The Uttar Pradesh government has applied to withdraw charges against the accused, citing the forensic report that the meat found in Akhlaq's home was beef. The application was filed with the approval of the governor.
Accused and Victim's Family
While the defence counsel confirms the application, the victim's family had previously alleged that the meat samples were switched. The court is yet to rule on the application, and the trial continues with witness testimony.
Accusations
Government
The mob attacked Akhlaq and his son based on rumors of cow slaughter and storing beef. A separate FIR was ordered against Akhlaq's family for alleged cow slaughter.
Accused and Victim's Family
Akhlaq's family maintains their innocence, with allegations that the meat samples were tampered with. The initial FIR was registered under sections for murder, attempt to murder, and rioting.
- Victim
- Mohammad Akhlaq
- Incident Date
- September 28, 2015
- Location
- Bisada village, Dadri, Uttar Pradesh
- Accused
- 15 individuals, including son of a local BJP leader
- Current Status of Accused
- Out on bail
- Legal Action
- Application to withdraw charges filed by UP government on October 15; hearing on December 12
- Forensic Report
- Meat found in Akhlaq's home belonged to a cow or its progeny
