Mahesh Panchal (32), the brother of cow vigilante Bittu Bajrangi, succumbed to burn injuries at AIIMS-Delhi on Monday night. This has led to protests by right-wing outfits, demanding action in the immolation case registered in Faridabad.
Earlier, Mahesh Panchal claimed that he was ambushed by a group of men, overpowered, and set ablaze at a Faridabad mandi in the early hours of December 13. However, a special investigation team (SIT) formed to probe the case found no evidence of the attack. Faridabad police suspect that Panchal fell into the bonfire he had lit outside his shop after drinking liquor.
Earlier admitted to a private hospital in Faridabad with 54% burns, Panchal’s condition deteriorated over the weekend, after which he was taken to Safdarjung hospital and then AIIMS-Delhi. He died around 8.30pm on Monday, Bittu said on Tuesday.
A crowd first gathered outside AIIMS on Tuesday morning, and after the body was handed over to the family following a post-mortem examination, they protested in Faridabad’s Chacha Chowk. Bittu, booked in a case linked to the July 31 communal riots in Nuh, was among the protesters, visibly emotional while some in the crowd tried to console him. Faridabad police had asked shops in the area to remain closed to ensure tensions don’t erupt.
Protesters, including those of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, also blocked the Ballabgarh-Sohna road, demanding “justice”. “I cannot bring my brother back. Police have shown a laid back attitude till now. They need to buckle up and get justice for my brother,” Bittu said.
A VHP member said investigation into the immolation case should be expedited and a member of Panchal’s family should be given a job apart from compensation of Rs 1 crore. Panchal is survived by his wife and daughter, and Bittu.
Last rites were carried out only after ACP Vishnu Dayal and Ballabhgarh sub-divisional magistrate Trilok Chandra met Bittu and assured them of speedy investigation.
On the investigation, Faridabad police spokesperson Sube Singh said the SIT and forensics team have inspected the alleged crime spot.
“CCTV footage of 30-35 cameras in a 2km area has been scanned in detail and 50 people have been questioned on the incident. No evidence has emerged to support the complaint. We have thoroughly questioned the suspect earlier named by Bittu but nothing was found. We will now conduct a polygraph test,” Singh said. Earlier, cops had said that they were considering filing a counter complaint for making a false accusation against Panchal.
Investigators noted the absence of any WagonR, allegedly used by the assailants, in the CCTV footage from the area where Panchal claimed he was set ablaze. In addition, inconsistencies were identified in his statements. Furthermore, a suspect initially named by Panchal, who later retracted the accusation, was found to have a credible alibi.
