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The tragic death of Aryan Mishra, a 20-year-old man from Faridabad, Haryana, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by cow vigilantes in India. On August 23, 2024, Mishra was shot and killed by five men claiming to be members of the 'Live For Nation' (LFN) organization, a group dedicated to protecting cows. The men, mistaking Mishra for a cattle smuggler, chased his car for 30 kilometers before opening fire. This incident, while seemingly an isolated case of mistaken identity, sheds light on the growing phenomenon of vigilantism and the potential for violence that it fosters.
The case has drawn attention to the complex socio-political landscape in India, where the issue of cow protection has become deeply intertwined with religious sentiment and political agendas. While the Haryana Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Act, 2015, prohibits the slaughter and trafficking of cows in the state, the killings of other cattle, such as buffaloes, are legal. This ambiguity in the law has created a fertile ground for vigilantes to take the law into their own hands, often targeting individuals from marginalized communities on flimsy grounds.
The main accused in Mishra's murder, Anil Kaushik, is a former gold medalist from Rohtak University who lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kaushik's story speaks to the economic and social anxieties that fuel the rise of vigilantism. With unemployment rates in Haryana significantly higher than the national average, individuals like Kaushik may find solace and purpose in self-appointed roles as 'gau rakshaks,' even if their actions are driven by misguided notions of duty and righteousness.
The case also highlights the lack of accountability and oversight in regulating the actions of cow vigilante groups. While Kaushik and his associates claimed to be protecting cows, their methods involved resorting to violence and intimidation, creating a climate of fear and suspicion within communities. The police, despite their efforts to investigate the case, face a challenge in curbing vigilantism, given the complex legal framework and the social support that these groups sometimes enjoy.
The tragic murder of Aryan Mishra is a stark reminder of the need to address the underlying factors that drive vigilantism, such as economic insecurity, social unrest, and the abuse of religious sentiment. A comprehensive approach is needed, involving stricter enforcement of laws, promoting social harmony, and encouraging responsible citizenship. Ultimately, justice for Aryan Mishra and the prevention of similar tragedies require a concerted effort to address the root causes of vigilantism and ensure that law and order prevail.
Source: Cow as cover for murder