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The incident in question unfolded in Haryana's Charkhi Dadri district, where a migrant worker from West Bengal, identified as Sabir Malik, was allegedly beaten to death by a group of cow vigilantes on August 27th. A video purportedly capturing the lynching surfaced on social media, showing a large group of individuals using sticks and rods to assault the victim. While the authenticity of the video remains unverified, the horrific nature of the alleged incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, at a press conference, addressed the issue by posing a question that has ignited further controversy: "If people from villages come forward, who can stop them?" He acknowledged the incident as unfortunate and urged people to avoid engaging in such actions. However, his statement implied a sense of resignation, suggesting that the deep-rooted reverence for cows within certain communities might make preventing such acts difficult.
The incident has drawn condemnation from various political figures. Dharambir Singh, the BJP MP from the Bhiwani-Mahendragarh seat, where the incident took place, described the act as "shameful" and vowed to demand strict action against the perpetrators. He emphasized that the incident was not about cow protection but rather a shameful display of violence that shamed humanity. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra labelled the incident as a "killing by BJP-fulled hatred," demanding justice for Sabir Malik and others who have fallen victim to such acts fueled by hatred.
The Congress MLA from Nuh, Aftab Ahmed, echoed calls for stringent action, alleging a breakdown of law and order in Haryana. The incident has highlighted the growing concern regarding the activities of cow vigilante groups, who often operate with impunity and a belief that their actions are justified by religious and cultural beliefs. Their actions, however, often transcend the realm of mere cow protection and spill over into acts of violence, intimidation, and even murder, targeting individuals perceived as violating their beliefs.
The police investigation revealed that the incident stemmed from a dispute over the alleged consumption of beef in Hansawas Khurd village. A cow protection group arrived at the village and, after searching migrant families' shacks, found meat in some vessels. A brawl ensued, resulting in the alleged assault of Sabruddin, one of the migrant residents. The cow protection group demanded action from the police and filed a complaint, leading to the arrest of several individuals involved in the dispute. However, a subset of the group later lured Sabir Malik to the Badhra bus stop under the pretense of giving him scrap, where he was brutally beaten. Despite local residents intervening, the group fled with Sabir and another ragpicker, claiming they were going to the police station. Sabir's body was later found near Bhandwa village.
The Charkhi Dadri police have arrested five adults and two minors in connection with Sabir Malik's murder. The minors have been sent to a juvenile home. While the arrest of the suspects is a step towards bringing justice, it remains to be seen whether this incident will serve as a wake-up call for authorities to address the root causes of cow vigilantism and prevent further tragedies. The incident has cast a dark shadow on the state of law and order in Haryana and has reignited the debate on the role of cow vigilantes and the consequences of their actions.
Source: After migrant worker ‘lynched by cow vigilantes’, Haryana CM Saini asks, ‘Who can stop them?’