Families of victims in Latehar lynching case demand compensation, jobs

Families of two cattle traders, who were beaten to death in Jharkhand's Latehar district in March 2016, on Wednesday, December 26, demanded financial assistance and jobs from the state government.

Ansari’s family has requested the government for financial help as they have lost their lone breadwinner. Ansari is survived by his wife and five children.

"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 Bibi, Ansari’s wife said.

Imteyaz Khan's mother Nazma Bibi said her son was just 13-year-old when he was beaten to death.

"We are living under the shadow of fear. My elder son has left his home and started working in Ranchi due to 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.

A court in Latehar on December 21 awarded life terms to eight men convicted in the case.

The court of First Class Judicial Magistrate Rishikesh Kumar pronounced the sentence and slapped a fine of ₹25,000 on each of them, public prosecutor Balram Prasad said. In case of default or non-payment of fine, he said, the convicts would have to spend one more year in prison.

Talking to reporters, Sayara Bibi, wife of Ansari (32), claimed that she had been receiving threats even after all the convicts were awarded life sentence.

Majlum Ansari (32), a cattle trader, and Imitiaz Khan (12) were found hanging from a tree between Jhabar and Chetan areas under Balumath police station limits on March 17, 2016. They were reportedly taking their cattle to a village fair for sale when they were attacked. The police had said that they were beaten to death and then hanged from the tree.

Five men — Manoj Sahu, Pramod Sao, Awadhesh Sao, Mithilesh Sao alias Banti and Manoj Kumar Sao — were arrested shortly after the incident. The remaining three — Arun Sao, Sahadev Soni and Bishal Tiwari — surrendered before a local court later.

With agency inputs