india

Updated: May 05, 2016 01:36 IST

The Gautam Budh Nagar fast-track court, hearing the case of the murder of Mohammad Ikhlaq in Bisada village, on Wednesday did not disclose the forensic report on the meat recovered from Ikhlaq’s fridge following objections by the public prosecutor.

Fifty-five-year-old Moham-mad Ikhlaq and his son Danish were attacked by a mob at their home in Bisada village on September 28 last year over rumours that they slaughtered a cow and stored its meat for consumption.

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After 15 minutes of argument, the court deferred the matter to May 9.

“The public prosecutor has not registered any written objection so far. We hope that the court will give us a copy of forensic report at the next hearing,” said Ram Sharan Nagar, counsel of the accused persons.

Ikhlaq succumbed to injuries while Danish survived with a fractured skull, triggering a massive outrage and debate on rising intolerance in the country.

Also read: Neighbours didn’t help, says kin of man killed over beef rumour

The attackers said they found a bowl of meat, which they claimed was beef. It was sent for forensic examination. Eighteen men from the village, including a Uttar Pradesh police homeguard, were arrested on charges of killing Ikhlaq and grievously injuring Danish.

“We have requested the court to provide us the forensic report of the meat, the statement of Ikhlaq’s daughter Shaista and other crucial documents related to the case. The forensic report is important for us to establish the motive behind the incident,” Nagar said.

On April 1, the court had asked the police to submit the forensic report following the applications of counsels of the accused.

A report was submitted in a sealed envelope the next day. However, the matter was deferred twice and is

likely to be heard on Wednesday.

A local veterinary hospital in Dadri had tested the meat in October and concluded that it was mutton.

The samples were again sent to another veterinary lab for further examination.

The police, however, said they have already filed a chargesheet and the forensic report is of no significance.

“It is a case of murder and assault and we have arrested all accused. The forensic report was submitted in a sealed envelope in the court,” said Abhishek Yadav, superintendent of police (rural), Gautam Budh Nagar.