FARIDABAD: The family of Junaid Khan, 17, who was lynched to death by a mob on a Mathura-bound train, alleged people of neighbouring village and fellow villagers exerting pressure on them to opt for ‘out-of-court settlement’.
The 30-year-old prime accused, Naresh Kumar has “confessed” to having stabbed Junaid and attacking his brothers belongs to the Jat community and other accused are Brahmins.
According to an Indian Express report, Sarpanch of Khandawali and people of neighbouring village held a series of panchayats and are reportedly pressurizing Junaid’s father Jalauddin to settle the matter out of court to maintain peace and brotherhood within the two villages.
“People belonging to upper castes such as Jats and Brahmins from neighbouring villages, including Sikri, Bhanakpur, Samaypur and Kanere, are mounting pressure on our village panchayat and residents to convince me for a decision at the panchayat. My fellow villagers are in turn forcing me to reach a settlement,” Mr. Jalauddin told while speaking to The Hindu.
However, Junaid’s father has refused the offer saying “I can never forgive the men who killed my son” and wants to pursue it legally as he has faith in the court.
Four months have passed since Junaid Khan was stabbed to death. The killing of Junaid had triggered a nationwide outrage.
Hafiz Junaid was stabbed to death when he, along with his brothers, Hashim and Sakir were returning home to Khandwali village after shopping for Eid in Delhi on June 22.