Won't leave village, want to stay like before: Dadri lynching victim's brother

Dadri (UP): "We want to live like before," Dadri lynching victim Mohammad Iqlakh's eldest brother said today, stressing that the family has no plan to permanently shift out of Bishada village although it may move out for "2-4 months" if required.

Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Nagendra Prasad Singh also said that the family will continue to be in Bishada where it is getting round the clock police protection.

"As you can see, our family members have not shifted anywhere and do not intend to do so either. We are very much in Bishada," Iqlakh's brother Jamil told PTI at his residence, which is adjoining Iqlakh's home.

Jamil said that they will never leave Bishada permanently where 5 generations of his family have stayed. "If needed, we may go somewhere for 2-4 months but who knows of the future," he said.

On report that Iqlakh's son Sartaj had moved the family to Delhi, Jamil said, "He (Sartaj) is saying certain things out of concern but that does not mean he will go beyond my words".

The DM said that the family has not shared any plans with him regarding moving out immediately, although "Sartaj is concerned about their safety".

Iqlakh was lynched to death in Bishada on September 28 over rumours of eating beef, triggering nation-wide outrage. Akhlaq's younger son Danish, 22, was critically wounded in the attack and is undergoing treatment at a Noida hospital.

Jamil, visibly irritated over constant media scrutiny, said that more than anything else, bringing the culprits to justice was of parmount importance.

"We are tired of saying the same thing over and over again, but media still runs unverified news. For us getting justice is the only objective and only administration and court can ensure that," Jamil said.

He said members of the family, specially Iqlakh's daughter and mother were finding it difficult to lead a normal life after the incident.

"She (Iqlakh's mother) is not in a condition to speak any more. What can a person say when her son was beaten to death before her eyes," he said.