Dadri victim’s kin leave village, want culprits booked under NSA

Dadri (UP), October 7

Family members of Dadri lynching victim Mohammed Iqlakh today demanded booking of accused under the National Security Act (NSA) and hearing of the case by a fast-track court. Iqlakh's son said the family had left Bishada village for a relatively safe Delhi. 

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Speaking on the sidelines of a peace meeting organised by the Gautam Budh Nagar district administration involving several village heads at the Jarcha police station here, Iqlakh's younger brother Jaan Mohammed said, "Our demand is that the case be heard by a fast-track court and those involved booked under the NSA."

While it is for sure that "more than 10 persons" were involved in the murder, the number could be anywhere around "150-200", he said. "This is a matter of investigation by the administration, which will have to look into it." 

Iqlakh (50) was bludgeoned to death at Dadri's Bishada village in Uttar Pradesh on September 28 night over rumours of eating beef, triggering nationwide outrage.

Iqlakh's son Mohammed Sartaj said the family moved to Delhi last night. There was, however, no clarification about members of his extended family, including Iqlakh's brothers.

Jaan Mohammed, accompanied by his elder brothers Afzal Ahmed and Jameel, said they were yet to take a call on whether to continue living in the village. The mob also attempted to "molest" female members of the family on that day, he alleged.

"During the incident, attempts were made to molest women in our family. What the women witnessed that day would shake soul of anyone. We don't want to go. But we may stay out of village for a month or so to ensure their mind is diverted from the horrific incident," he added.

Bishada's pradhan Sanjeev Rana claimed politicians who made a beeline to the village after the incident had "disturbed peace". "I want to ensure peace for Hindus and Muslims in the village. I don't want any politician to come and disturb peace here. Their visits have disturbed peace here," Rana said. 

Jaan appreciated the Uttar Pradesh Government's "immediate" action in restoring peace in the village saying it had set an example. The family urged for peace and harmony to prevail among members of both communities in the village, which, they said, would wipe off this "blot".

"We don't want the incident to recur. Hence, to ensure harmony, the DM had convened meeting. I urge people if I can stand with you for harmony, despite losing my brother a few days ago, then you (others) can also set an example," he said.

Meanwhile, VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi was today prevented from entering the restive Bishada village defying prohibitory orders. Prachi alleged there was a "conspiracy" behind the administration's move to deny her permission to enter the village and asked why AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi was allowed to meet the victim's family.

"I wanted to meet families of Jay Prakash and Rahul Yadav, but I was denied entry. I had requested the SDM in this respect. Owaisi, who comes from Hyderabad can meet, why I am not allowed entry? This is a conspiracy," Prachi said.

A resident of Bishada, Jay Prakash (24) was found dead yesterday, while Yadav received bullet injury during protests against the administration in the aftermath of lynching of Iqlakh. — PTI