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Journalism of Courage
The Gautambuddh Nagar police filed a chargesheet Wednesday against 15 people, almost three months after a mob in Bisara village lynched Mohammed Akhlaq and nearly crippled his son Danish.
On September 28, a mob had assembled outside Ahklaq’s house after an announcement from the village temple said he had allegedly slaughtered a cow. Danish, who tried to intervene, and Akhlaq were dragged out of the house, assaulted and rendered unconscious.
While Akhlaq died in a Noida hospital, Danish is slowly recovering after severe head injuries and complicated surgery.
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The chargesheet names Vishal Rana, son of a local BJP leader, and cousin Shivam as the main conspirators who led the mob to Akhlaq’s house and assaulted the family.
In their statement to police, Vishal and Shivam claimed they were asked by others to commit the act and were willing to identify those responsible.
“The chargesheet in this case was filed Wednesday. It is against 15 people and a supplementary chargesheet will be filed against two more suspects who were arrested today,” Deputy Superintendent of Police Anurag Singh said. He added that two suspects were still at large. Police sources said that in the chargesheet, Danish and his sister Saista were prime witnesses.
“While Saista had given several details, it took more than two months to record Danish’s testimony since his condition was critical. They are the main witnesses and Danish is the key witness,” a senior police officer said.
According to police, the chargesheet mentions that allegations of cow slaughter had been among the reasons to attack Akhlaq. “However, samples of meat found in Akhlaq’s house have been sent for testing and we have mentioned in the chargesheet that samples were taken and that we are yet to receive this report,” another source said.
Police sources also said that the chargesheet mentions the list of evidence recovered from the scene of the crime and from the houses of some of the accused including sticks, samples of blood and a sewing machine, which was thrown on Danish’s head.
Akhlaq’s family had initially named 10 suspects, including Vishal and Shivam, who were all arrested in a span of three weeks. Police sources said Vinay, a home guard, and four others were arrested on Monday. Vinay had initially claimed he witnessed the lynching but was arrested after Danish’s statement to the police.
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