Greater Noida, UP: The Fast Track Court in Surajpur has rejected the Uttar Pradesh government’s plea to withdraw the case related to the infamous Mohammad Akhlaq mob lynching incident. The court termed the petition as “baseless and insignificant” and scheduled the next hearing for January 6, 2026.
The plea was filed by the Assistant District Government Counsel (Criminal) on behalf of the UP government, following orders from the State Administration and the Joint Director of Prosecution. The petition sought withdrawal of the case citing the restoration of social harmony as its reason.
Background of the Case
The incident occurred on the night of September 28, 2015, in Bisaheda village under Jarcha police station in Greater Noida. A mob attacked Mohammad Akhlaq’s home following rumors that his family had slaughtered a cow. Akhlaq was dragged out and brutally beaten to death. His son, Danish, sustained serious injuries in the attack. The incident triggered nationwide outrage and sparked widespread debates on communal tensions and the dangers of rumor-mongering.
Legal Proceedings So Far
Initially, the police filed charges against 10 named and several unidentified accused, which later increased to 18, including three minors. Two accused have died, while the rest are currently out on bail. The chargesheet was filed in December 2015, but the regular court hearings began only in February 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, repeated adjournments, and administrative delays.
The UP government had issued orders in August 2025 to withdraw the case, and the Joint Director of Prosecution had instructed the district government counsel to complete the legal formalities in September. The application was submitted to the court under Section 321 of the Criminal Procedure Code on October 15.
Despite these attempts, the court has refused to quash the case, keeping the spotlight on one of the most controversial lynching incidents in India.
Discover more from SD NEWS agency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.