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Why was Mohammed Akhlaq Killed?

How a rumour over cow slaughter led to murder and a national debate in India.

Mohammed Akhlaq’s murder shocked India. A mob broke into his house last month and beat him to death. They believed a rumour that Mr Akhlaq, a Muslim, had broken a Hindu taboo by slaughtering a cow. We find out how the cow became such a political animal and look at whether Hindu nationalists are feeling bolder in today’s India.

(Photo: An Indian woman sprinkles yoghurt paste onto a cow's forehead. Credit:Getty Images)

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23 minutes

Last on

Sun 8 Nov 2015 12:06GMT

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  • Sun 8 Nov 2015 03:06GMT
  • Sun 8 Nov 2015 12:06GMT

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