Hyderabad: Gau rakshaks attack driver, trader transporting buffaloes
In a disturbing incident on Tuesday, a group of gau rakshaks (cow vigilantes) assaulted a driver and a trader who were transporting buffaloes from Bibinagar to Hyderabad. The attack occurred at the Lalaguda traffic signal in Chilkalguda, where the vigilantes stopped the pickup truck and forcibly removed the individuals before beating them severely.
The assailants, led by Vishal, the head of a local cow protection group, then took the victims to the nearby police station. However, instead of taking action against the vigilantes, the Chilkalguda police allegedly seized the buffaloes and registered a case against the driver and the trader. The animals were subsequently sent to a cattle holding point.
Upon learning of the incident, AIMIM MLC Mirza Rahmath Baig, accompanied by party leaders, visited the police station late at night to protest the actions of the gau rakshaks. Baig demanded that the police take appropriate action against the vigilantes and arrest them. Following the intervention, the Chilkalguda police filed a case against Vishal and his associates, and an investigation is currently underway
This incident adds to a series of similar attacks on cattle traders and transporters in the region. Just last week, four cattle traders were injured in Medipally when a group of gau rakshaks assaulted them during transportation.
The growing incidents of cow vigilantism have raised concerns among cattle traders and transporters, who fear for their safety and livelihoods. While the Telangana government has laws prohibiting cow slaughter, the enforcement of these laws by self-appointed vigilantes has led to increased tensions and incidents of violence.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urged to ensure the safety of individuals involved in the cattle trade and to take stringent action against unlawful activities by vigilante groups.
