File Photo: UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today met the family of the man lynched in Dadri over rumour that he had eaten beef, assuring them of justice and dismissed criticism of his government with the assertion that his party will "never do politics" over such incident.
Akhilesh Yadav also announced raising the financial assistance to the victim Akhlaq's family to Rs 30 lakh from Rs 20 lakh as well as Rs five lakh each will be given to his three brothers.
"The government is with the family in this time of grief. No one can imagine what they have gone through. I have assured the family that justice will be done and legal action will be taken against the accused," Akhilesh Yadav told reporters after meeting Akhlaq's mother Asgari, brother Mohammed Afzal and daughter Shaista.
They had arrived here last evening for the meeting accompanied by Muradnagar MLC Ashu Malik.
Mr Yadav, whose government has drawn flak over the incident, said Samajwadi Party will never do politics on the issue but alleged that attempts were being made to vitiate the atmosphere since it came to power in the state.
"Those doing politics can level any allegation... but I want to assure that Samajwadis never do politics on such things. Since SP government came to power there are some forces trying to create one or the other atmosphere," he alleged.
"I could not go to the village and so I felt it would be appropriate if I meet them here....The family is in a state of shock. Nothing can make up for their loss. We can share their grief, but cannot erase the scene they witnessed," he said.
"The village where they have lived for so long and have good relationship...they never imagined that something like this could happen. "
He said that brotherhood and community amity were the strength of the country and the secular fabric should not be disturbed.
Assuring all help for the victim's son who was injured in the attack, he said, "Best possible treatment will be ensured wherever the family wishes. We will also provide house, complete security and if required job to one family member of the family."
He said that the government would provide support if the family wanted to live with their relatives. On a question regarding family deciding to migrate, he said, "It is up to them ."
The chief minister, however, refused to comment on the ongoing investigation. He was accompanied by Urban Development and Minority Welfare Minister Mohd Azam Khan and PWD Minister Shivpal Singh. During the meeting the CM called the DGP also.
Akhlaq's elder brother Afzal thanked the Chief Minister and said that they were sure of getting justice.
50-year-old Aqlakh was beaten to death and his 22-year-old son Danish son was critically injured by a mob which barged into their house on Monday night following rumours that the family had consumed beef.
Aqlakh's other son Sartaj serves in the Indian Air Force.
The incident drew sharp condemnation from political parties. A magisterial inquiry had been ordered.