In the busy, congested Chowk Bazaar of Mathura, close to the historic Krishna janmabhoomi temple, is where the popular shop 'Nattho Yadav Lassiwale' is located. The 100-year-old shop enjoys an iconic status in the area, and is run by three brothers.

Right opposite the shop stands a Jama masjid with towering minarets and a sprawling complex. The lane adjoining the shop has a Krishna temple that draws a large number of devotees. The mosque leads to an elevated street called Nakkashi teela from where the mob emerged.

That day, Pankaj Yadav (20) and his brother Bharat Yadav (26) were at the shop, handling the evening rush of customers.

According to Pankaj's statement in the first information report (FIR) filed on 18 May (a copy of which is with Swarajya), a group of eight to 10 men, accompanied by two women, came to the shop around 8.30 pm. The lassi sellers told the group to wait as there were several customers in waiting. The group hurled abuses at them. They taunted the brothers on being slow, asking if they had mehendi on their hands. The sellers prepared the lassi and gave to the group. But the group entered into a scuffle again when asked to pay up. The lassi sellers eventually told the group to leave without paying. Other customers also asked the group to leave. A little later, the group returned with an additional 15-20 people. The mob attacked the brothers and vandalised the shop. They even fled with Rs 15,000-20,000 cash that was kept at the counter.