Wave of Cow Vigilantism Sweeps Across States, Prompting Concerns

Cow Vigilantism

In a disturbing trend, multiple incidents of cow vigilantism have surfaced in various states, with truck drivers facing violent assaults for transporting cattle. The latest incident occurred on January 13 in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, where cow vigilantes allegedly assaulted a mini-truck driver involved in cattle transportation.

Just a day before, on January 12, two men were reportedly attacked on Kuakhia Bridge in Odisha after being caught transporting cattle. A video circulating online depicts a group of men holding the two drivers and brutally thrashing them in broad daylight. Another incident unfolded in Haryana’s Jhajjar district, where cow vigilantes chased a truck transporting bulls bearing a Delhi nameplate.

On January 5, a shocking 12-kilometer high-speed chase took place in Panchgaon Chowk, Gurgaon, Haryana, involving a truck transporting cattle to Mewat. The video of the incident went viral, revealing cows falling off the truck due to reckless driving as the driver attempted to evade the pursuing cow vigilantes. Ultimately, the truck was cornered, and the two occupants were subjected to alleged physical assault.

The driver, identified as Jafar, was subsequently arrested by the Bilaspur police. An FIR was lodged against him under IPC sections 279 (rash driving), 336 (rash and negligent driving resulting in human life or personal safety), and the Animal Cruelty Act of 2015.

These incidents have raised concerns about the rise in vigilantism related to cow protection, highlighting the dangers faced by those engaged in the transportation of cattle. Advocacy groups and civil rights activists are calling for immediate action to curb such vigilantism, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that ensures the safety of both the animals and those involved in their transportation. Authorities in the affected states are being urged to take stringent measures to prevent further incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.

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