India, Dec. 23 -- A fast-track court on Tuesday rejected the Uttar Pradesh government's application to withdraw the 2015 Mohammad Ikhlaq lynching case, saying it was a "serious crime against society" and that there was no reason provided to withdraw the case.

The UP government, on September 12, moved an application to withdraw the case, saying this was "for the restoration of social harmony".

Ikhlaq, 55, was lynched by a mob in Bisada village on September 28, 2015, after rumours that his family had stored beef at home. His son, Danish, was injured while trying to save his father. The attack triggered nationwide outrage over rising intolerance, with writers, filmmakers and scientists returning state awards in protest.

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