Eleven persons suspected were arrested by Ghoti police Sunday for allegedly killing a 32-year-old man from Mumbai and brutally assaulting his co-traveller near Igatpuri in Nashik over suspicion that they were transporting beef, reported The Indian Express.
According to the police, the incident took place on Saturday, June 24 night when the two victims – identified as Afaan Abdul Majid Ansari and Nasir Sheikh – were transporting meat from Ahmednagar to Mumbai. Officers added that the members of a cow vigilante group gathered and assaulted the two men with iron rods and wooden sticks.
Superintendent of Police Shahji Umap (Nashik Rural) said, “An employee of a toll plaza near Sinnar initially noticed that the two were carrying meat inside their car. The employee then informed a member of the cow vigilante group there who then forwarded the information to his accomplice in Ghoti.”
At this point, three other members of the vigilante group started following the two men in a car and a bike after which they accosted their vehicle and started assaulting them.
The ailing bodies of the two victims were found inside their vehicle, said the police. “As soon as we were informed, a team was sent to the spot and the two were rushed to the hospital. Ansari was declared dead during treatment while Sheikh was admitted and is recuperating,” said an investigator.
On the basis of Sheikh’s statement, a case of murder, attempt to murder and rioting was registered and eleven suspects were taken into custody. “With the help of CCTV footage from the spot and other technical assistance, the suspects were identified, located and subsequently arrested,” the SP said. Officials added that the meat will be sent for forensic examination. This is the second recent incident of targeted lynching in Maharashtra, a state that has now become notorious for hate speeches provoking incitement among non -state actors.
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Maharashtra’s shame: Cow lynching episode reported in Nashik