Noida: In a shocking twist, a report from the forensic laboratory has confirmed that the meat found in Dadri lynching victim Mohammad Ikhlaq’s house was beef.

The new report was in contrast to the preliminary report of an enquiry by the Uttar Pradesh Veterinary department which said that the meat was mutton.

In a gruesome incident, 55-year-old Ikhlaq was lynched to death by a mob on September 28 last year over allegations of storing and consuming beef. His son Danish was injured while trying to save his father. The incident triggered nationwide protest over religious intolerance.

An FIR was filed on the basis of the statement of daughter, Shaista. As many as 18 people were arrested by the police.

Though the slaughter of cows is banned in Uttar Pradesh’s Dadri, eating beef is not illegal there.

The police have said that the meat was sent to forensic lab due to the demands of the agitating villagers.

Ikhlaq family’s lawyer, Yusuf Saifi has stated that the forensic report has nothing to do with the case of murder and assault.

Meanwhile, the family has urged everyone not to politicize the issue.