Jharkhand mob lynching case: Eyewitness wife dies in accident on hearing day, family cries ‘murder’

There is a new twist in the case of Alimuddin Ansari’s lynching that took place in Ramgarh in Jharkhand. The wife of the eyewitness of the murder, Jalil Ansari, died in a road accident when he arrived at the court for the hearing of the case. Jalil Ansari’s wife was Alimuddin’s real sister who was killed. After the accident, Alimuddin’s wife and Jalil have alleged that this was not an accident but a murder because Jalil was threatened in the court premises by Bajrang Dal activists that he would have to face the consequence if he gave his statement to the court.

On June 29, this year, trader Alimuddin Ansari alias Asgar Ali was surrounded by a mob in Bajarrat area of Ramgarh city and was lynched to death. The mob accused him of carrying beef. After killing Alimuddin, the enraged mob had torched his vehicle and one more vehicle. Bajrang Dal people were blamed for this murder.

The matter was to be heard by the court on October 12 and the eyewitness of the brutal killing, Jalil Ansari, had to give his statement in the court. Jalil Ansari reached the court before time. But exactly when the court proceedings were about to begin, he was told that Aadhaar card was mandatory for his testimony. Jalil sent his wife with Alimuddin’s son on a motorcycle to bring his Aadhaar card. But reportedly, within a short distance from the court, an unknown vehicle hit the motorcycle from behind and Jalil’s wife died on the spot while Alimuddin’s son, who was driving the bike, was injured.

The court hearing has been adjourned after this accident. Alimuddin’s wife Mariyam Khatoon also alleges that this is not just an accident but a well thought-out conspiracy. She told NH that the Bajrang Dal activists had already threatened them of dire consequences. She also hinted at talked registering a case in the matter.

The police had filed charges on 12 people in connection with this murder and had arrested five including BJP leaders Nityanad Mahto and Santosh. After the lynching, tension prevailed in the entire area and Section 144 was imposed.

After the opposition raised its voice over this issue of mob lynching, the Jharkhand government formed a fast track court for prompt hearing of the case.

The hearing was scheduled to take place in this court only but the accident took place before the hearing could conclude. However, no arrest has been made in the matter as yet.