The court emphasises protection of witnesses as paramount, rejecting bail for accused Naresh; human rights activists and families of victims highlight ongoing threat of mob lynching against Muslims
NEW DELHI – Eight years after the tragic murder of Junaid Khan in a train in 2017, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a landmark verdict refusing bail to the accused, Naresh, in the infamous mob lynching case. The court stressed that witness safety is crucial for a fair judicial process and that granting bail at this stage could compromise justice.
The 2017 incident, which took place during a festival, shocked the nation and sparked protests across India. Junaid Khan, a teenager, was brutally attacked while travelling, highlighting the rising threat of violence against minorities.
“This incident is not just the loss of one family, but a warning for the entire society,” said Fatima Khan, Junaid’s elder sister. “We have been waiting for justice for eight years. Today’s verdict gives us hope that the courts understand the gravity of what happened.”
Human rights organisations have repeatedly condemned mob lynching incidents and urged the government to take strict action. According to Rashid Ahmed, a representative of the Indian Human Rights Forum, “It is the responsibility of the state to protect witnesses and ensure justice for the victims. Courts refusing bail in such cases send a strong message against lawlessness and communal violence.”
Incidents of mob lynching have been rising steadily in India. In 2024 alone, 11 cases occurred across the country, resulting in 13 victims, of whom nine were Muslims. These figures underscore the ongoing risks faced by minority communities and the urgent need for vigilance.
The high court’s decision is seen as a step towards ensuring safety for witnesses, a critical factor in uncovering the truth in sensitive cases. The judgement has been welcomed by social activists and the victim’s family alike, as it demonstrates that courts are unwilling to show leniency in matters of communal violence.
“Junaid’s murder was a tragedy that affected all of us,” said social activist Anwar Hussain. “The refusal of bail shows that justice is possible and that our legal system can protect the vulnerable from hate crimes.”
Eight years may have passed, but for Junaid Khan’s family, the fight for justice continues. This case is a reminder that mob violence is a defeat for society as a whole. The judiciary now has the responsibility to ensure strict punishment for the culprits and to uphold the rights of victims and witnesses alike.
The verdict in the train lynching case sends a message across India: crimes motivated by religious hatred will not be tolerated, and the protection of Muslim citizens and witnesses will remain a priority for the courts.
