The police arrested Mahto and his sons Kundan and Nandan, wife Naina Devi and one Hemlal Mahto. The FIR also carries the names of six more accused.

Anis said he along with a delegation met the ASP and sought strict action against the culprits and adequate compensation to the victims’ families. The delegation also urged the police to ensure proper treatment to Akhtar, as many lynching victims in the past died because the police did not swiftly arrange proper treatment.

In a video shared by Anis to Clarion India, the wife of Mubarak, Farizan Khatoon, was seen rejecting the allegation of theft. She said Mubarak had gone to his farm for some work late at night.

Earlier, there had been personal fights with the accused in the present case as the family used to throw away discarded wine bottles into his field. When he warned them against this, a clash took place. They caught hold of his collar, and he slapped them twice, the wife said.

Jharkhand has witnessed several lynching incidents in recent times, all of which caught national and international attention. In June, 23-year old Tabrez Ansari was lynched in Saraikel-Khersawan area on the allegation of a motorcycle theft. The lynching of Ramgarh and Latehar caused outrage all over the country.