Dadri lynching case: Hearing deferred to May 17

The court deferred the hearing as the counsel for Mohammad Ikhlaq filed a written objection to the demand of the counsels of the accused asking for disclosure of the forensic report of the meat recovered from the victim’s fridge on the night of September 28, 2015. Ikhlaq’s lawyer termed the move as a tactic to delay the trial.

A district fast track court on Monday deferred the hearing of Dadri lynching case to May 17.

Asgari Begum (right), Mohammad Ikhlaq’s mother, in shock after the incident in September, 2015. (Burhaan Kinu/HT Photo)

The court deferred the hearing as the counsel for Mohammad Ikhlaq filed a written objection to the demand of the counsels of the accused asking for disclosure of the forensic report of the meat recovered from the victim’s fridge on the night of September 28, 2015. Ikhlaq’s lawyer termed the move as a tactic to delay the trial.

Fifty-two-year-old Ikhlaq and his younger son Danish were attacked by a mob of locals at Bisada village of Dadri, 60 km from Delhi, in September 2015 over allegations of storing and consuming beef.

Ikhlaq died of injuries at a hospital while Danish survived with a fractured skull. The incident had triggered a nationwide debate over intolerance and beef politics. The accused had recovered a bowl full of meat from Ikhlaq’s house, which they claimed was beef.

“We said the forensic report of the meat is not only crucial evidence in establishing the motive, but it is also the right of the accused persons to get all the relevant documents related to the case. The matter will be heard on May 17,” said Ram Sharan Nagar, counsel of the accused.

Saifi said the forensic report of the meat has no relevance in the case as it is a murder trial.