Latehar lynching: Kin of victims demand compensation

NEW DELHI: Families of two Muslim cattle traders, who were beaten to a pulp by a gang of so-called cow vigilantes on Wednesday demanded financial assistance and jobs from the state government.

In March 2016, Imtiyaz Khan, 13 and 32-year-old Mazloom Ansari were on their way taking eight oxen on foot to a cattle fair when they were beaten up and then hanged from a tree by a mob of Gau Rakshas in Khaprelwar village of Latehar district.

On 19 December, last week, Jharkhand court convicted eight people and awarded life imprisonment for lynching the two innocents.

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According to media reports, the family members of both the victims are not satisfied with the quantum of sentence. “We seek the death penalty for the killers and compensation for the family members to eke out a living,” said Sayra Bibi wife of Imtiyaz.

Majlum Ansari was the lone caretaker of the family of 6 members that included his wife, four daughters and a son. Sayra Bibi claimed to had been receiving threats despite court awarded life imprisonment to all the accused.

“I demand appropriate compensation and a job from the Jharkhand government. Where should I go for help? I do not have money to feed my children,” Sayara was quoted as saying to a leading news agency.

Nazma Bibi, mother of 14-year-old Imtiyaz said her son was in 6th standard at that time who also helped his father in his work.

“We are living under the shadow of fear. My elder son has left his home and started working in Ranchi due to the threat to his life. My younger son has also stopped going to his school,” she said.

“I request the government to provide proper security to my family. Also, the state government should provide financial assistance and a job to us,” Nazma Bibi added.