Brinda Karat seeks President's intervention as UP moves to drop Akhlaq charges
Brinda Karat seeks President's intervention as UP moves to drop Akhlaq charges
CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat urges President Murmu to intervene against UP's plan to withdraw charges in the 2015 Dadri mob lynching case, calling the move politically motivated.
New Delhi: Senior CPI leader Brinda Karat on Saturday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking urgent intervention in the Uttar Pradesh government's move to withdraw charges against the accused in the 2015 mob lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq. Karat described the governor's consent as a crucial factor and labeled the action as politically motivated and an attempt to subvert the processes of justice.
In her letter, Karat argued that the governor has given written permission to withdraw the case, a move she says undermines due process and ignores the established judicial timeline. She asserted that the main witness has already testified and that two additional direct witnesses are ready to give statements, making the withdrawal step potentially unjust.
The 2015 incident unfolded in Bisahada village, Uttar Pradesh, outside Akhlaq's home, after a temple announcement alleging cow slaughter. Akhlaq died from his injuries, and his son Daanish sustained grievous wounds. The daughter of the victim testified and named the accused, with more witnesses expected to contribute to the court record as the case proceeds in the Greater Noida district court.
Karat noted that evidence against the accused has been presented and recorded, and she warned that withdrawing charges at this stage could subvert the entire judicial process. She emphasized that the governor's approval—given since the governor is appointed by the President—raises constitutional questions about the duty to uphold the rule of law and ensure due process.
The CPI(M) leader urged the President to intervene urgently to safeguard the integrity of the legal process and to prevent a move she describes as politically motivated from obstructing justice for Akhlaq and his family. Her appeal highlights broader concerns about accountability, justice, and faith in the rule of law in such high-profile cases.
Cover image source: Akhlaq lynching case: Brinda Karat seeks President's intervention in UP govt's move to drop charges 🔗
