It’s a matter of grave concern that a second lynching incident has been reported from Nashik within a span of two weeks. Affan Abdul Ansari (32) hailed from Mumbai’s Kurla area and was accompanied by his friend Nasir Ghulam Hussain Qureshi. They were travelling in a car when they were stopped by some cow vigilante goons and alleged that they were carrying cow meat.
The video shared on social media shows the broken windshield of the car indicating the car was attacked from outside before attacking the persons inside. It can be seen that one of them, presumably Ansari, was lying on the ground almost unconscious while Qureshi was sitting on the ground, both looking severely beaten up.
Location: Nashik, Maharashtra
Muslim man lynched by cow-vigilantes over suspicion of transporting beef.
This is the second beef-lynching in same district in the 2 weeks. pic.twitter.com/RhLW1XEtVw
— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) June 26, 2023
Nashik Rural deputy SP Sunil Bhamre, speaking to Lokmat Times, said, “On reaching the spot, we found the car in a damaged condition. The injured men were inside the car and we admitted them to a nearby hospital where one of them died.” The police have registered a case of murder and rioting and have arrested 10 persons. The meat found in the car has been sent for forensic testing to find out if it was buffalo meat or cow meat.
Digital News portal, Mumbai News, spoke to Ansari’s uncle who said, “The government has given a free hand to Bajrang Dal RSS and their activities are on the rise. They have taken law into their hands. If a Muslim kills one person, they will say it is terrorism”. He also claimed that the two were beaten for 3 hours with iron rods, bamboo sticks. He also said that the police, including senior police officers of DSP, SP level, helped them a lot. He said that the police have promised that a proper inquiry will be conducted. Another female member of Ansari’s family said, “Let police do their job. Don’t beat them up like this. If Bajrang Dal is given a free hand, what is the point of this government? Ansari has left behind two daughters, we want the government to help them, give the wife a job”.
Ansari leaves behind a wife and two children. Ansari’s uncle has demanded compensation for his family.
Another similar incident was reported from Nashik where Lukman Suleman Ansari was murdered allegedly by men associated with Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, founded by hate offender Pravin Togadia. Lukman was reported to be missing and his body was found a few days later in Igatpuri, Nashik. lUkman along with two others, had purchased some cattle and were transporting them to Thane. Six accused were arrested in this matter.
Related:
Maharashtra’s shame: Cow lynching episode reported in Nashik
Madhya Pradesh: Muslim family brutally assalted in Chhindwara