Man Assaulted and Humiliated by Gau Rakshaks in Maharashtra

On April 23rd, a disturbing incident of gau rakshaks occurred in Maharashtra, India. Asif Qureshi, a 28-year-old man, was allegedly assaulted and humiliated by a group of cow vigilantes who accused him of illegally purchasing cattle for slaughter. The incident has sparked accusations of police inaction and complicity in the violence.

Qureshi had purchased 18 cattle from a market with the intention of selling them at an animal market in Ausa. However, the cow vigilantes waylaid his vehicle and assaulted him. Qureshi was hospitalized with blunt injuries as a result of the attack.

The police arrived at the scene and seized Qureshi’s truck. They lodged a complaint against Qureshi and others, stating that they had illegally purchased the animals with the intention of slaughtering them for beef and not providing any fodder or water arrangements for the cattle. The suspects were booked under the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and the Indian Motor Vehicle Act.

The cow vigilantes, along with two police officers and three home guards, took the truck containing the cattle to a Gaushala in Latur. There, they allegedly assaulted Qureshi and forced him to wear a skull cap while filming the incident. They also made him bend and hug a cow. Locals objected to the police’s support of the cow vigilantes by remaining mute spectators.

Police Response

The Latur Police Superintendent has initiated a departmental inquiry and attached two constables to headquarters. However, there were allegations that local police stations refused to register an FIR against the suspects. Qureshi’s side claimed that he was also forced to drink cow urine, but the police refuted these allegations.

This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions surrounding cow protection in India and the often-violent tactics employed by cow vigilantes. It is also concerning that the police allegedly supported the cow vigilantes and failed to register an FIR against them. It is important that a thorough investigation is conducted to ensure justice is served and to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Conclusion

The assault and humiliation of Qureshi are troubling and require immediate attention from the authorities. Cow protection is an important issue, but violence and vigilantism are never the answer. It is crucial that the rule of law is upheld and that all citizens are treated with dignity and respect.

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