Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has assured the family members of Mohammad Akhlaq, who was lynched over a rumour of having beef in his house, of their security and announced more compensation to the kin even as the family members demanded justice.
The government has hiked the compensation to Rs 30 lakh from Rs 20 lakh for the Akhlaq family besides will provide a house and government job to one member of the family. Government also announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the three poor brothers of Akhlaq.
Condemning the incident Yadav said that the day Samajwadi Party government came to power in Uttar Pradesh the vested political forces have conspired against it." I appeal to the people to maintain brotherhood," he said while adding that SP has never promoted divisive politics.
Talking to media persons after almost 2 hour long meeting with family members comprising Akhlaq's mother Asgari, his elder brother Afzal Ahmed and his daughter Saista, the CM said that the family is afraid to stay in the Bisadia village after such gruesome incident.
Though the CM refused to say anything on the investigation and even denied to comment on the statement made by BJP MlA Sangeet Singh Som, but said that government would provide free treatment to Danish, the son of Akhlaq, who was critically injured in the attack.
"We will provide all help to the family including a house and even a job to any member,” the CM announced while added that the treatment of Danish would be made free.
Yadav also appealed for a secular harmony in the country and maintain brotherhood. “Our culture always advocates for a secular society but such incidents create difference within the society and brotherhood is shattered," he stated.
"The fear in the eyes of the family members was palpable while narrating the entire incident. They still can't believe how their neighbours who had good relations with them did not help,” CM said.
In the meeting between the family members and the CM, state minority welfare minister Mohammad Azam Khan, state PWD minister Shivpal Singh Yadav, state political pension minister Rajendra Choudhury and SP MlC Ashu Mallick were present at the CM residence.
Afzal Ahmed,made a brief statement before the media thanking the CM and media for their support to the family. "Crime was done against us … we want justice,” he said.
However, Afzal refused to take question of the media including if the family wants a CBI probe into the matter.
The family members were flown here last night and now have been taken back to Dadri.