Overview
- The Additional District Government Counsel confirmed the state filed the withdrawal application on October 15 and that the district court in Surajpur will hear it on December 12.
- The trial remains underway, with the first prosecution witness — Akhlaq’s daughter, Shaista — giving testimony and cross-examination pending.
- Officials say 15 accused are on bail and facing trial, while some reports state the withdrawal application pertains to 10 people.
- The application cites a Mathura forensic report identifying the seized meat as from a cow or its progeny, a finding the family has long disputed by alleging sample switching.
- Police had charged the accused under sections including murder and attempt to murder after the 2015 mob attack in Bisada village following announcements alleging cow slaughter.