Elderly Gujjar man attacked by Gau Rakshaks in Rajouri over suspicion of cattle smuggling

India: In yet another incident of increasing attack against Muslims in the name of cow protection, an elderly Muslim man in Rajouri district in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir was beaten up by self-styled cow vigilantes, over suspicion of cattle smuggling spread in the area.

The victim Lal Hussain, who received severe injuries on his head, back, legs and other parts of the body, was admitted to Government Medical College (GMC) in Jammu and he was out of danger. After the gruesome incident, messages were circulated on social media saying that Hussain succumbed to his injuries, creating a tension in the region, reported SouthLive, digital news outlet in South India.

Rajouri police have arrested an accused Kuldeep Raj, who is from the same village. The incident took place on Saturday in Gundha village.

Lal Hussain had purchased a cow on Friday from another villager. He was on the way to hand over the cow to another person to whom he had sold in a nearby village on Saturday when Kuldeep Raj and others attacked him, thinking he was smuggling cattle.

The police have arrested Kuldeep Raj, who along with about nine others, allegedly assaulted Lal Hussain. All suspects have been booked under Sections 341, 307, 323 and 147 of the RPC at the Budhal police station.

“The FIR was lodged on the complaint of the wife of the victim after the villagers found Lal Hussain unconscious. The victim was taken to a hospital at Sunderbani from where he was referred to the GMC,” said Jahangir Ahmed, SHO, Budhal.

Heavy police forces were deployed in the area apprehending communal tension.