3 Things Akhlaq Ahmed's case, Sheikh Hasina's sentence, and Anmol Bishnoi's arrest
Nov 20, 2025
Apoorva Vishwanath, National Legal Editor at The Indian Express, delves into the troubling case of the 2015 Dadri lynching, examining the UP government's bid to withdraw charges against the accused and critiquing police reasoning. Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Affairs Editor, analyzes the significant implications of Sheikh Hasina's recent conviction and the challenges it poses for India-Bangladesh relations. The discussion also covers the surprising arrest of gangster Anmol Bishnoi, linked to high-profile criminal cases, adding another layer to this complex narrative.
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Lynching Case Set A Disturbing Template
- The 2015 Akhlaq lynching became a template for mob killings over beef suspicions in India.
- Ten years later, the UP prosecution's withdrawal request signals institutional weakness in pursuing hate-crime trials.
Flawed Reasons Behind Withdrawal Request
- The UP police asked to withdraw prosecution citing inconsistent witness IDs, non-lethal weapons, and no prior enmity.
- Apoorva Vishwanath argues these reasons mischaracterize hate crimes and undercut state responsibility to prosecute.
Let Courts Test The Evidence, Not Withdraw
- Courts must scrutinize withdrawal applications and test inconsistencies through trial, not preemptively abandon prosecutions.
- Vigilant judicial review protects victims when the state signals it lacks faith in its own case.