Senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat wrote to President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, seeking her intervention against the Uttar Pradesh government's move to withdraw charges against the accused in the 2015 Mohammad Akhlaq mob lynching case. She highlighted that UP Governor Anandiben Patel has granted permission for this 'wholly illegal and unjust' attempt to subvert justice, even though the main witness has already provided evidence.
In 2015, Mohammad Akhlaq, a resident of Bisahda village in Gautam Buddh Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh, was lynched by a mob outside his home on September 28, while his son Daanish suffered grievous injuries. The incident sparked national outrage, with the government assuring punishment for those involved. A case was registered under IPC sections 147, 148, 149, 307, 323, 302, 504, 506, 427, and 458.
The Uttar Pradesh government has now filed an affidavit in the Greater Noida district court to withdraw the entire case. In her letter, Brinda Karat stated that UP Governor Anandiben Patel has provided written permission to the state government to proceed with this 'wholly illegal and unjust attempt to subvert the processes of justice.' She urged the President for urgent intervention, noting that the Governor, appointed by her, is answerable to the President.
Karat expressed regret at having to write on this matter but deemed it essential for the sake of justice. This development raises concerns over undermining the judicial process in the lynching case, where the main witness has already given evidence.
