Rajasthan man killed by cow vigilantes

Jaipur: In yet another proof of growing cow vigilantism in Rajasthan, a 50-year-old man lost his life on Tuesday.

Pehlu Khan, who along with his two sons was severely beaten by cow vigilantes, succumbed to injuries.

The police registered case against 200 people, but no one has been arrested so far while those accompanying the victim in transporting the cattle were arrested.

The incident took place in Behror in Alwar district on Saturday. Pehlu, his two sons and two others from Nuh in Haryana were carrying cows in a van when they were intercepted at Jaguwas Chowk industrial crossing by “gau rakshaks” said to be associated with VHP and Bajramg Dal.

They claimed to have received information that cows were being smuggled.

Even after Pehlu showed documents to prove that they bought the cows from a livestock fair in Jaipur, the mob attacked them. A video showing how the men were dragged out of their truck and thrashed went viral. They also blocked the highway and damaged vehicles.

Pehlu was taken to a hospital along with the four others by the police, but his condition worsened and he was shifted to the ICU, where he died two days later.

While doctors said Pehlu died of a heart attack, his family refused to accept the body till the perpetrators were arrested.

The police lodged a case against the attackers. After Pehlu’s death, a murder case was also added. The police also filed five cases against the victims.