Chhattisgarh mob lynching: Court acquits 17 accused citing lack of evidence
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Bemetara: Seventeen men charged with the murder of a Muslim father and son in 2023 were acquitted by a sessions court on Tuesday.
Rahim Umad Mohamed, 55, and his 35-year-old son Idul Mohammed were allegedly beaten to death with stones and sticks by a mob in Chechanmeta village on April 10, 2023. Their bodies were discovered the following morning.
The violence occurred months ahead of the state Assembly elections and was reportedly triggered by a minor altercation between two children. On April 8, a village meeting was held during which rumours spread that Hindus had been assaulted. This escalated the situation, leading to clashes in which 23-year-old Bhuneshwar Sahu was killed.
On April 9, over 700 security personnel were deployed in Biranpur to prevent further escalation. However, a crowd led by then BJP state president and current Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao attempted to enter the village.
Reports indicate that on the same day, the house of Rahim’s daughter and son-in-law, located near Biranpur, was set on fire. The following day, Rahim and his son were allegedly killed.
Six FIRs, including one for murder, were registered in connection with the violence, and 17 men were arrested. These accused have now been acquitted by the sessions court.