In a major twist in the Dadri lynching case, a report prepared by a forensic lab in Mathura on Tuesday concluded that the meat found in the victim’s house was beef, eight months after the attack triggers a fierce debate over intolerance.
The finding was in contrast to the preliminary report of an enquiry by the Uttar Pradesh Veterinary department which said the meat over which Mohammad Akhlaq, 52, was lynched on September 28 last in Dadri was mutton of ‘goat progeny’.
The revelation comes at a time when the State’s Assembly polls are just round the corner and could change the political dynamics in the communally sensitive Uttar Pradesh.
Akhlaq was lynched by a mob on the night of April 28, 2015 at Dadari’s Bisara village after rumours spread that he and his family had slaughtered a cow and had consumed beef (cattle meet). The incident had triggered massive outrage across the country, with politicians, activist decending on the village to console the bereaved family. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh police had filed a chargesheet against 17 people involved in lynching case and arrested 15 people who are currently lodged in district jail.
Those arrested included son and nephew of a local BJP leader Sanjay Rana for his alleged involvement in Akhlaq’s lynching. Vishal and Shivam had allegedly spread the rumour and led a violent mob that attacked Akhlaq’s house, lynched him and brutally assaulted his younger son Danish, claimed reports.
Akhlakh’s son Sartaz told The Pioneer, “The probe is going in the right direction but now the new revelation is only to politicise the issue in Uttar Pradesh.” He further added on the new development that the lab report is not looking authentic and it is only a rumour.
“The court had given a distinct direction that any documents related to this case could not be made public till the charges on the accused have been framed,” said Sartaz.
According to the laws in Uttar Pradesh, slaughter of cows is illegal, while possession of beef is not.