Hapur lynching case: SC asks police to submit report, provide protection to witnesses

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday instructed the Meerut Inspector General of police to submit a report with respect to Hapur lynching incident and also directed the state police to ensure protection to Samiuddin, the sole survivor of the case.

The top court was hearing the plea of a survivor of the Hapur lynching case, who is seeking a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the matter.
Besides seeking SIT probe, the petitioner also sought transfer of case and subsequent trial outside Uttar Pradesh amid allegations that the police have not recorded his statement. He has also demanded cancellation of the bail of the accused.
Earlier this month, the four accused in connection with the controversial case were granted bail after they told the court that they had no role in the attack.
According to media reports, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra had earlier said that the case required urgent hearing after the Uttar Pradesh Police had termed the incident as a road rage mishap.
In June, 38-year-old Qasim was lynched to death and 65-year-old Shamsuddin was severely injured in Uttar Pradesh's Hapur district after a group of people attacked them on suspicion of being involved in cow slaughter.
(With inputs from agencies)