Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh: In a disturbing case of reported cow vigilantism, four Muslim men were brutally assaulted and their vehicle was set ablaze in Aligarh on Saturday, May 24, on the suspicion of transporting beef.
The attack took place near the Sadhu Ashram. According to reports, three suspects have been arrested so far, while a dozen others, including local right-wing figures, have been named in the FIR.
According to the police, a mini-truck allegedly carrying meat was intercepted by a group claiming it was involved in illegal cow slaughter. The victims, identified as Akeel (35), Nadeem (32), Akil (43), and Arbaaj (38), are currently receiving treatment at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital.
Victims Assaulted, Vehicle Set on Fire
Salim, father of one of the victims, told The Wire that the men were returning to Atrauli from the Al-Ammar frozen foods factory, a buffalo meat exporter registered with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. At around 8:30 AM, they were allegedly stopped by a mob. The assailants reportedly tore the meat delivery bill, vandalised the vehicle, robbed the victims of their phones and cash, and demanded money to let them go. Upon refusal, the mob overturned the truck and set it ablaze.
Salim further alleged that the attackers left only after the police arrived. However, some video footage suggests the assault continued even in the presence of law enforcement. A disturbing video of the entire incident went viral on social media.
Trigger Warning: Viewer discretion is advised. The visuals in the following video can be disturbing to some.
SP Amrit Jain confirmed to The Hindu that two FIRs have been registered: one by the villagers over alleged cow slaughter, and another by Salim against the attackers. Jain told the publication, “The meat sample has been sent to Mathura for testing. We are examining the evidence and will take legal action based on the investigation.”
The FIR names 13 individuals, including VHP leader Rajkumar Arya and BJP leader Arjun Singh.
Fact-checker Mohammad Zubair also posted documents proving the meat was buffalo, not beef. Have a look:
Several political leaders, including Congress’ Shahnawaz Alam and SP spokesperson Ameeque Jamei, condemned the incident. Alam accused the government of enabling cow vigilantes and said, “Cow vigilantism has effectively become state policy.” AAP MP Sanjay Azad Singh, who visited the victims in hospital, also demanded strict action against the accused.
