DADRI, UTTAR PRADESH: Forget the ban on beef. Even a rumour of consuming beef can claim one’s life. That too, only 40 km away from the National Capital of Delhi. A man lost his life in Dadri in Uttar Pradesh over a rumour that he and his family have consumed beef.
Mohammad Akhlaq, 50, and his son were dragged out by villagers and beaten with bricks on Monday night. While Akhlaq died on the way to hospital and his son is critical. Villagers broke into his house, ransacked everything and even did not spare the women.
“My husband was bleeding. His head was smashed. They beat the family…my husband had no enemies…,” said Akhlaq’s wife. The family has been living in the village for over three decades. Akhlaq’s daughter said they only had mutton in their fridge.
The men were still being beaten when the police arrived. Six men were arrested from the spot. Police say they have taken the meat and sent it for forensic testing. Police are investigating how the rumour started.
“We found out that the people beat them because they consumed cow meat. More people will be arrested,” said S Kiran, a senior police officer, to NDTV.