UP Cops Yet to Trace those Who Lynched Muslim Man in Moradabad, Associate Held for 'Cow Slaughter'

New Delhi: The associate of a man 37-year-old Muslim man who was lynched by an angry mob on suspicion of cow slaughter in Moradabad earlier this week has been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh police and booked him for cow slaughter.

Even though an FIR was registered against unidentified persons for the murder of Mohammad Shahidin Qureshi, no arrests have been made so far in the case, reported The Indian Express.

“We took suo motu cognisance and registered an FIR against Qureshi and Mohammad Adnan (29) for cow slaughter. One FIR was registered on the complaint by his brother, Mohammad Shahjad, under BNS section 103 (murder) against unidentified people. The second by Majhola police for cow slaughter,” said Majhola SHO Mohit Chaudhary.

Qureshi was attacked by a mob on early hours of December 30 and succumbed to his injuries on the same day.

“As of now we have not been able to arrest anybody,” said Additional Superintendent of Police Kumar Ran Vijay Singh.

Qureshi’s wife Rizwana said that the father of three children had told her that he is going for some work and would be back soon.

Family members said that Qureshi was facing health issues including diabetes and kidney ailments, owing to which he had to pause work with his two teenage sons supporting the family.

“This was no age to die. Is the value of human life so less today? Even if he killed an animal, they could have called the police. He could have been in jail, but why did people beat him up so badly that he died,” said Masooma Jamal, his sister-in-law.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.