A 23-year-old man named Lukman Ansari was reportedly lynched by a group of cow vigilantes, commonly known as ‘gau rakshaks,’ in Maharashtra’s Nashik district.
The incident came to light on June 10 when Ansari’s body was discovered in a gorge at Ghatandevi in the Igatpuri area.
So far, the police have arrested six individuals who were allegedly involved in the crime. The authorities are currently searching for more suspects connected to the case.
According to officials, all the accused individuals are associated with the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, a right-wing organization.
Lukman Ansari, along with two companions, was transporting cattle in a tempo on June 8 when they were intercepted by a group of around 10-15 individuals described as ‘activists’ in Vihigaon, Sahapur, Thane district.
The group took control of the vehicle and allegedly “rescued” four bovine animals before driving the tempo towards Ghatandevi in Igatpuri. They stopped the tempo at a secluded location and proceeded to assault all three individuals.
While Ansari’s companions managed to escape, he was unable to evade the attackers. The police suspect that Ansari died as a result of the assault, despite the accused claiming that he fell into a gorge.
Two cases have been registered by the police, including one under section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code, in relation to the incident.
