Mumbai: Maharashtra Congress working president Naseem Khan on Monday demanded setting up of a special investigation team to probe into the recent incidents of mob lynching in Igatpuri in Nashik and payment of compensation to the victims as reported by Times of India.
“I spoke to Nashik SP Shahaji Umap. I have demanded that a high-level probe be conducted into the two incidents of mob lynching,” the former minister said, reports Prafulla Marpakwar.
“I met the family members of the deceased. The CM should pay financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to members of the families,” Khan said.
He also expressed serious concern over law and order situation in the state, Khan said lynchings by cow vigilantes are shocking.
First incident: Nashik rural, June 15
In mid-June , the Nashik rural police have arrested six cow vigilantes for allegedly murdering Lukman Suleman Ansari on suspicion of transporting cattle for slaughter. These accused, Pradeep Adhole alias Pappu (34), Bhaskar Bhagat (28), Chetan Somawne (26), Vijay Bhagade (26), Rupesh Joshi (39) and Shekhar Gaikwad (22), were associated with Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, founded by hate offender Pravin Togadia.
Ansari, a resident of Padgha, Bhiwandi, was earlier reported to be missing. Ansari along with Pappu Atiq Paddi (36) and Aqueel Gulam Gavandi (25) bought two cows, a bullock and a calf for Rs 18,300 from a woman in Kharegaon, Shahpur. They were transporting the animals in a pick-up tempo to Padgha in Thane district, reported Indian Express.
As per the information, the police have till now, when Chetan Sonawane (associated with RBD) got to know that they will be transporting the cattle on June 8, he informed his other associates and some 15-20 people arrived and tried to extort money from Ansari and his two associates. When they refused, they were assaulted with bamboo sticks. Gavandi escaped and Ansari and Paddi were taken to another location and assaulted with iron rods.
When Paddi regained consciousness he found Ansari missing. Paddi was then taken to the Igatpuri police station by the accused alleging that he was illegally transporting animals. The police took Paddi to the hospital and recorded his statement. When Paddi returned to his home in Padgha, he realised that Ansari was still missing and had not returned home like Gavandi had.
Second incident: Nashik Rural, June 24
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 injured 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.
Related:
Maharashtra’s shame: Cow lynching episode reported in Nashik
11 arrests in Nashik for killing man, brutally assaulting another for ‘transporting beef’