The family of Mohammad Akhlaq, a Muslim man brutally lynched by a Hindu mob in Uttar Pradesh, India, in 2015, has vowed to continue their fight for justice. This comes after the state government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), recently moved to drop all charges against the accused. Akhlaq, then 50, was killed following rumors that he had stored and consumed beef—a claim his family vehemently denies. Cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, which dominates India’s population of 1.2 billion, and Uttar Pradesh is among 20 states with strict laws banning cow slaughter and beef consumption. The incident, which occurred in Dadri, 49km from Delhi, marked the first widely reported case of cow-related violence in India, sparking nationwide protests. Initially, 18 individuals were charged with offenses including murder and rioting, all of whom are currently out on bail. Last month, the public prosecutor filed an application citing ‘inconsistencies’ in witness testimonies, urging the court to close the case. The court is expected to decide on the application by December 12. Akhlaq’s family, who fled their village after the attack, expressed shock and fear over the government’s move, questioning whether it would embolden criminals. The incident unfolded on September 28, 2015, when a mob armed with sticks, swords, and pistols stormed Akhlaq’s home, accusing the family of slaughtering a cow. While Akhlaq died on the spot, his son Danish sustained severe injuries. The family maintains that the meat found in their fridge was mutton, not beef. The case has drawn widespread criticism, including accusations of delayed response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP members allegedly defending the attackers. Despite the challenges, Akhlaq’s brother, Jaan Mohammad, remains hopeful, stating, ‘I still have faith in the court. I believe justice would be done one day.’