UP: Lynched Man Kept Asking For Water Before Dying, Dragged In Presence Of Policemen

On June 18, 2018, an incident of lynching from Uttar Pradesh's Hapur district came to light. Residents from Pilkhua Kotwali area's Bajheda Khurd village thrashed two men on suspicion of cow slaughter, shows a viral video.

The victim, identified as Qasim (45) was pronounced dead when he was brought to the hospital. His acquaintance is still being treated for his injuries. According to media reports, the two men were beaten up by irate villagers when rumours of them trying to steal three cows and a calf for slaughtering spread in the area.

Motive Not Found Yet

Various media reports have claimed rumours over cow slaughter led to the Hapur lynching. ABP News reported that as per locals, a farmer named Samaydeen had left his farm to bring fodder for his cattle; meanwhile, Qasim entered the farm and was seen trying to drive out a cattle and a calf that entered the farm and somebody spread rumour of cow slaughter.

Deccan Chronicle reported that the two alleged attackers, who have been arrested, insisted the assault was related to cattle smuggling. They said the name of the victim's acquaintance is Samayuddin (65), who was admitted in the hospital.

When The Logical Indian contacted ASP Ram Mohan Singh, he said "Qasim's brother in the FIR has not mentioned anything about cow smuggling or cow slaughter. What we know is that there was a bike accident and an altercation broke out between the two parties that led to the lynching." He further said that the family members don't know who the person was with the victim.

"We are waiting for the injured person to complete his treatment and be well enough to talk to us. Only then we can go ahead with the investigation," Ram Mohan Singh further said. He assured that the enquiry will be done keeping both the narratives in mind.

The Logical Indian also spoke to police in-charge Ashwani Kumar. He said that investigations are being carried out. "We still don't know what the truth is, but, we would say again and again that no matter what the motive is, a mob lynching someone is not acceptable," Mr Kumar reiterated again and again.

Viral video & photo of Hapur lynching

A video that has gone viral on social media paints a chilling picture. The victim can be seen helplessly lying on the ground, gasping for breath. If listened to carefully, it can be heard that he is asking for water.

Nothing but angry, shrill chaos can be heard in the background. A voice can be heard saying "Enough is enough. He has been beaten for quite some time now. Let's get him some water, it is very hot. I know things happen when people get emotional, but there are repercussions of this act. Please, everyone stop."

Just after this statement is made, another angry and agitated voice can be heard shrieking "If we were a few minutes late, we would have come to see dead cows here. It doesn't matter if it is hot or not."

Many voices can be heard abusing the almost dead man in Hindi.

2 persons were attacked by Cow Terrorists in Hapur, UP . Someone "claimed" that they were carrying cattle (Not slaughtering) and Cow Terrorists attacked them . One man Qasim (45yo), succumbed .

One more achievement of Modi GauVernment @Uppolice pic.twitter.com/0L1EArai0j

— Md Asif Khan (@imMAK02) June 19, 2018

A photo has also gone viral. The photo shows three police officers with the mob. The victim's hands are tied with rope and are being dragged on the ground in UP's heat. One officer is busy on his phone, while another looks angry at the person clicking the photograph. When enquired about the photo, Police in-charge Ashwani Kumar told The Logical Indian "He was being taken to the van, so that he can be shifted to the hospital." He also said that the person was alive at that point.

This is how they treated Qasim who was lynched on rumours of cow slaughtering in #Hapur, he was pleading for water…

3/n

pic.twitter.com/vcL0j48VEU

— Md Asif Khan (@imMAK02) June 20, 2018

The Logical Indian Take

This incident of Hapur lynching shows we need stringent punishments against those who resort to such acts of violence. To uphold the safety of citizens, law and order need to be established. In the meanwhile, people from all strata of life need to be educated and made aware of the evils of mob justice.
This is a blot on humanity & now the family of the dead victim has to live with this trauma for rest of their life.