2024: Cow vigilantism escalates in July and August with rumour-driven raids and violent assaults on Muslim while legal consequences for perpetrators missing?

In recent years, India has witnessed a surge in violent incidents arising out of cow vigilantism, underscoring a troubling escalation in communal and societal tensions. This increase in violence reflects a broader trend where individuals and groups, enjoying political patronage and ideologically aligned to the far right, under the guise of “protecting cows,” engage in severe acts of vigilantism that often target marginalised communities, particularly Muslims. This pattern of violence, often driven by self-styled “cow protection” vigilante groups, reflects a broader agenda that exploits politico-religious sentiments and legal ambiguities to justify attacks on the Muslim community.

Vigilante groups, emboldened by perceived or real impunity, have taken the law into their own hands, leading to a series of brutal assaults and communal tensions across various states. These incidents not only violate individual rights but also exacerbate communal divisions, fuelling a climate of fear and hostility.

The political legitimisation of this far-right ideology in India has significantly influenced the increasing targeting of Muslims under the guise of cow protection. This ideology, which is rooted in a nationalist and exclusionary vision of India, often frames Muslims as outsiders or threats to the nation’s cultural and religious identity. Far-right groups have leveraged this narrative to justify acts of violence and discrimination against Muslims, portraying such actions as a defence of “Hindu values and traditions”. This ideological shift has emboldened vigilante groups, who now operate with a sense of legitimacy and impunity. Their actions are frequently portrayed as heroic or righteous under the banner of “cow protection,” a cause that has become a focal point for far-right mobilization.

The Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in the Tehseen Poonawalla case, which was intended to curb such vigilantism and ensure the protection of vulnerable individuals, appears to have had limited impact. Despite the Court’s clear directives to prevent and address instances of mob violence and unlawful harassment, the rise in incidents suggests a failure in implementing these guidelines effectively.

The Supreme Court’s directives, issued to address the growing concern of cow-related vigilantism, emphasized the need for robust measures to protect individuals from mob violence and ensure that law enforcement agencies uphold the rule of law. However, the increasing frequency and severity of these attacks indicate that the measures put in place have been insufficient or inadequately enforced. This has allowed vigilante groups to operate with relative impunity, exacerbating fears and insecurities among those targeted by such acts of violence.

See directives from Tehseen S. Poonawalla v Union of India (2018) judgement here.

August 2024

Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh (August 26): In a significant and disturbing incident, a police raid in Bijnor based on a tip-off about beef storage led to the death of a 55-year-old woman, Razia. Her family alleged that the police misbehaved during the raid, which they claim contributed to her death due to the stress inflicted. The police, however, contended that Razia suffered from asthma and that her death was unrelated to the raid. This incident has drawn attention to the conduct of law enforcement during such operations and the need for a thorough investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding her death. As per media reports, an inquiry is underway to determine the role of the informant who triggered the raid and to assess the police’s actions during the operation.

Bhilwara, Rajasthan (August 25): In Bhilwara, tensions erupted when a severed cow’s tail was discovered near a temple, leading to violent protests by Hindutva groups. The subsequent attacks on Muslim homes and shops, including physical assaults on two Muslim individuals, reflect the volatile nature of cow-related disputes and their potential to escalate into communal violence. The destruction and violence inflicted during these protests highlight the urgent need for effective measures to manage and de-escalate such communal flashpoints.

Alwar, Rajasthan (August 21): The assault of a truck driver by cow vigilantes in Alwar, led by offender Monu Manesar’s associates, exemplifies the growing boldness of these groups. The brutal beating, captured on social media, not only shows the physical violence perpetrated but also highlights the broader issue of impunity enjoyed by vigilante groups. The increasing frequency of such attacks raises concerns about the adequacy of legal protections for individuals accused of cattle transportation.

July 2024

Sehore, Madhya Pradesh (July 29): The brutal assault of an individual named Lalluram Lohar by cow vigilantes, who accused him of cow smuggling, further illustrates the escalating violence against individuals involved in cattle trade. The discrepancy between the vigilantes’ accusations and Lohar’s account, where he claimed to have been lured into buying the cattle, underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding and investigation of such incidents.

Pali, Rajasthan (July 22-23): The assault on a truck driver in Pali by cow vigilantes, who were angered by the transportation of buffaloes, highlights the increasing aggression of these groups. The vandalism of the truck and the physical assault on the driver, part of the video made available on social media, reflects the severe consequences faced by those involved in cattle transportation, further underscoring the need for law enforcement to address and curb such violence.

Palsana, Baleshwar, Surat, Gujarat (July 20): In Surat, cow vigilantes assaulted a man accused of cattle slaughter and tied him up with a belt. This incident, caught in a video, illustrates the extreme measures vigilantes are willing to take. The lack of immediate legal recourse for such individuals exacerbates their vulnerability.

Pushkar, Ajmer, Rajasthan (July 19): The assault on a truck driver in Pushkar by cow vigilantes represents yet another instance of violence tied to cattle transportation. The brutal nature of the attack and the apparent targeting of individuals involved in cattle trade reflect a broader pattern of vigilantism that demands urgent intervention.

Sirohi, Madhya Pradesh (July 19): The assault of truck drivers by VHP-affiliated cow vigilantes in Sirohi, conducted in the presence of police officers, highlights the problematic relationship between vigilante groups and law enforcement. The failure of police to intervene effectively in such situations undermines public trust in the legal system and emboldens vigilante groups.

Pali, Rajasthan (July 18-19): An elderly truck driver was attacked by cow vigilantes in another incident in Pali, demonstrating the indiscriminate nature of these attacks. The use of sticks and verbal abuse against an elderly individual not only raises concerns about the brutality of these groups but also about the lack of protection for vulnerable individuals in such situations.

Fazilka, Punjab (July 13): The raid by Bajrang Dal members on a Muslim home in Fazilka, accusing the owner of cow slaughter, reflects ongoing communal tensions and the misuse of cow protection narratives for targeting minority communities. The denial of communal motives by police does not mitigate the impact of such raids on community relations.

Sonipat, Haryana (July 10): The dangerous chase and subsequent accident involving a truck transporting cattle, orchestrated by cow vigilantes using spike strips, highlights the reckless and hazardous behaviour of these groups. This incident underscores the urgent need for stringent measures to prevent such dangerous practices. 

Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir (July 4): The assault on Ramesh Kumar by cow vigilantes after an accident involving a calf highlights the extreme and violent responses to perceived cattle-related offenses. The public outcry and demand for justice reflect the broader societal implications of such vigilantism and the urgent need for effective legal protections.

Parasia, Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh (July 2): The brutal assault of two Muslim truck drivers by VHP-Bajrang Dal members in Parasia, followed by the filing of cases against the victims, underscores a disturbing pattern of bias and violence. The lack of accountability for the assailants and the adverse legal consequences faced by the victims reveals systemic issues in the enforcement of laws related to cattle. 

Urgent Need for Effective Legal amendments and implementation of judicial directives

The impact of this far-right ideology extends beyond societal violence to the functioning of law enforcement and the judiciary. Police forces and legal institutions, influenced by the prevailing “nationalist” sentiment, often exhibit bias in their handling of these cases. Reports suggest that law enforcement agencies, swayed by the dominant political and ideological currents, are increasingly reluctant to take decisive action against vigilantes or protect the victims of such violence. This reluctance stems from a combination of political pressure, ideological alignment, and fear of backlash from powerful far-right factions. Consequently, the failure to enforce the law impartially undermines the justice system’s effectiveness and emboldens those who seek to perpetrate violence under the guise of protecting religious and cultural values. This intersection of ideology and law enforcement not only perpetuates violence but also deepens communal divisions, challenging the principles of justice and equality in Indian society.

The increasing incidents of cow-related vigilantism over the past two months of 2024 illustrate a disturbing trend of escalating violence and communal tension across India. These incidents, ranging from brutal assaults to dangerous chases and communal riots, reflect a broader failure to enforce legal protections and address the root causes of such violence. The Supreme Court’s directives aimed at curbing such vigilantism and safeguarding marginalized communities have not been effectively implemented, allowing vigilante groups to operate with impunity.

The recurring nature of these incidents, coupled with inadequate legal and law enforcement responses, highlights the urgent need for the implementation of judicial directions and amendments to those laws that directly or indirectly promote of legitimise vigilantism. Ensuring the protection of vulnerable individuals and upholding the rule of law must be prioritized to prevent further escalation of violence and to restore trust in the legal system. The implementation of the Supreme Court’s directives and the strengthening of legal safeguards are essential steps towards achieving justice and ensuring the safety of all individuals, irrespective of their background or involvement in cattle-related activities.

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