Indian police announced on Thursday that they are compiling lists of right-wing Hindu “cow vigilantes” after the killing of 19-year-old Aryan Mishra, who was falsely accused of smuggling beef. Mishra’s death last month in Haryana state has triggered widespread outrage, particularly because he was a Hindu.
Cows are considered sacred by India’s Hindu majority, and their slaughter is illegal in many Indian states. Over the years, gangs of “cow vigilantes” have formed, attacking individuals suspected of transporting or killing cows. This has led to several deaths annually.
Critics accuse the authorities of not doing enough to stop these violent groups. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned attacks on cattle traders and those who eat beef, but some say extremists feel encouraged by the Hindu nationalist rhetoric of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Many of those targeted by cow vigilantes are from India’s Muslim community, which has around 220 million people. Social media is filled with videos showing vigilante attacks, further fueling tensions.
On August 24, Aryan Mishra was shot and killed after a mob chased his car for 50 kilometers (31 miles), mistakenly believing he was transporting beef. Five suspects have been arrested. Haryana police, led by senior officer Aman Yadav, are now compiling a list of known cow vigilantes to monitor their activities.
The killing has reignited fears about the rising violence against religious minorities in India and sparked discussions on religious intolerance.
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