The Nasir-Junaid murder case of February 2023 has resurfaced in the national spotlight after the Rajasthan High Court granted bail to the prime accused, Monu Manesar, on March 5. Bail for the self-styled ‘cow vigilante’ comes as the victims' families continue their three-year wait for a trial.

While Monu's supporters welcomed him upon his release on bail by bursting firecrackers and showering him with flowers, the victims’ families have expressed deep disappointment and outrage over the verdict.

The relatives of Nasir and Junaid state that this decision has further eroded their faith in the justice system. Speaking to Newslaundry, Junaid's elder brother, Mohammad Ismail, remarked, “Even after my brother was burned alive and killed, Monu Manesar has been granted bail; this is an injustice. Perhaps this injustice is being meted out to us because we are poor and because we are Muslims.”

It is noteworthy that Nasir and Junaid – residents of Ghatmika village in Bharatpur, Rajasthan – were allegedly abducted by cow vigilantes. According to both the families and the police, the duo was brutally beaten, and their charred bodies were subsequently recovered from inside a burnt-out vehicle in the Bhiwani district of Haryana. This incident sparked nationwide controversy.

In connection with this case, the Rajasthan Police registered cases against 30 individuals. Of these, five individuals – Monu Manesar, Anil Multan, Gogi, Rinku Saini, and Monu Rana – were arrested. The case is currently pending trial before the Kaman Sessions Court in Rajasthan. 

Speaking to Newslaundry, Nasir’s younger brother, Hamid, said the heavy mantle of responsibility has fallen on his shoulders. He works as a truck driver and is also shouldering the responsibility of raising Nasir’s children. He says, “An elder brother is like a strong arm of support; with his loss, our home has fallen apart.”

Junaid’s wife, Sajida, is also deeply distressed by this verdict. She asks, “The Prime Minister speaks of ‘Beti Bachao’ (Save the Daughter) – are we not daughters of this country? Why are we being denied justice?”

Sajida also revealed to Newslaundry that, overwhelmed by the grief of Junaid’s death, their eldest daughter also passed away. Even after nearly three years have elapsed, the case remains ongoing in the courts, and the victims' families are still awaiting justice. On one hand, images of supporters celebrating the accused’s release on bail are surfacing; on the other, a pall of mourning still hangs over the homes of the victims' families in Ghatmika village.

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