Hapur lynching case: SC directs police to ensure protection to witnesses

 New Delhi : The Supreme Court on Monday directed Meerut Inspector General of Police to ensure protection to the witnesses in the Hapur lynching case.

The apex court also asked him to submit a report on the entire incident. The matter is now fixed for further hearing on August 28.

The top court was hearing the plea of a survivor in the case, who is seeking a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the matter.

Besides seeking SIT probe, the petitioner also sought transfer of case and subsequent trial outside Uttar Pradesh amid allegations that the police have not recorded his statement. He has also demanded cancellation of the bail of the accused.

Earlier this month, the four accused in connection with the controversial case were granted bail.

According to media reports, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra had earlier said that the case required urgent hearing after the Uttar Pradesh Police had termed the incident as a road rage mishap.

In June, 38-year-old Qasim was lynched to death and 65-year-old Shamsuddin was severely injured in Uttar Pradesh's Hapur district after a group of people attacked them on suspicion of being involved in cow slaughter.