LUCKNOW: After announcing a compensation of Rs 45 lakh to the family of Dadri victim Mohammed Akhlaq, Uttar Pradesh government has now started the process of allotting four houses to the surviving members of Akhlaq’s family.

Highly placed sources in the government confirmed to TOI the chief minister had, during his meeting with Akhlaq’s mother, daughter and brother on October 5, promised to extend “all possible assistance” to the bereaved family, including rehabilitating them in Noida. The family was forced to flee Dadri after Akhlaq was lynched by a mob in Dadri after they suspected Akhlaq of storing beef in his house. The family had also told Akhilesh the mob had attempted to set the rest of the family on fire, but were saved, in the end, by a few neighbours. Akhlaq’s family has since moved to safety in Delhi.

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UP CM meets Dadri victim’s kin, announces Rs 45 lakh relief

Allotting houses to Akhlaq’s family – two-bedroom apartments in Noida that are not covered under any government schemes – though will need a change in UP government’s relief and compensation policy guidelines. At present, while the CM can use his discretion to announce financial assistance to people, the policy does not provide for the allotment of privately built houses to victims. To overcome this hurdle, the government will either introduce a clause in the policy that governs the CM’s Discretionary Fund, or alter its existing housing policy. A senior government functionary, on condition of anonymity, said, “The victim’s family raised a request to the CM when they met him in Lucknow. The CM promised that he will rehabilitate them, and that a total of four houses will be allotted to Akhlaq’s brothers and children in Noida. Since there are procedural changes required, the changes will be made to execute the CM’s promise.”

Officials also said they have since received four letters; one each from Akhlaq's widow and three brothers, requesting the government for rehabilitation by way of houses. Following chief minister Akhilesh Yadav's sanction for alteration in policy, the letters will now be forwarded to UP chief secretary Alok Ranjan, for initiating the procedural changes necessary for executing the orders.

When TOI contacted Mohammed Akhlaq’s brother, Afzal, he confirmed the family has received a promise of support from the chief minister. Speaking to TOI over phone from New Delhi, he said, “We have been promised all possible support by the CM. So far, we have received the monetary compensation. We have, however, still not received the houses.”

