Hindustan Times ST (Jaipur)

‘Serious’ Azmat Khan being treated at AIIMS, New Delhi

- HT Correspond­ent htraj@hindustant­imes.com

The condition of Azmat Khan, who was allegedly beaten up by cow vigilantes along with Pehlu Khan at Behror in Alwar district, continues to be “serious”.

He is being treated at the AIIMS, New Delhi. “He has injuries in his head, fracture in spine, and his mental condition is also not normal,” Yusuf Khan, Azmat’s elder brother told HT.

Yusuf was in Jaipur on Monday to take part in a dharna organised by the PUCL and other organisati­ons in front of the Assembly to demand justice for Pehlu Khan and others.

“Azmat and Pehlu Khan were in one vehicle carrying cows and calves they had purchased at a cattle fair in Jaipur. While they were returning to Mewat, some men on five motorcycle­s stopped them on the highway and started beating them mercilessl­y with belts and bats. Azmat fell unconsciou­s just before he saw Pehlu Khan lying on the road,” Yusuf said. “I think Azmat would have died on the spot, but a second vehicle with Pehlu Khan’s sons came by after about 20 minutes and the cow vigilantes then focused on the three men who were also beaten up mercilessl­y. The police arrived late and took them to hospital,” he said.

Azmat regained consciousn­ess in the early hours of next morning. He has sustained severe injuries. Pehlu Khan died later with his family members maintainin­g that he was not given treatment.

Members of the Muslim community from Mewat, who were also present at the dharna, said cow vigilantes were terrorisin­g and robbing people in the name of gau raksha. They have demanded immediate arrest of those who have been named in the FIR.

The organisers have also submitted a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje to rein in cow vigilantes and ensure justice for Pehlu Khan, Azmat Khan and other accused in the crime.

 ?? HT PHOTO ?? Yusuf Khan, elder brother of Azmat Khan, speaks at the protest in Jaipur on Monday.
HT PHOTO Yusuf Khan, elder brother of Azmat Khan, speaks at the protest in Jaipur on Monday.

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