Two Muslim buffalo traders were allegedly beaten with sticks and tied up by a group of men in Hardua village in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district on suspicion of cattle theft and cow slaughter. Videos of the incident have circulated on social media.
The incident took place in the Hindoria police station area on Monday night. The traders, identified as Abid Qureshi and Hasan Qureshi, alleged that they were stopped while transporting buffaloes in a pickup vehicle and assaulted by people they claimed were associated with the Bajrang Dal.
The injured men were initially taken to a local health centre and later admitted to Damoh district hospital. Two of them were reportedly referred to a medical college hospital in Jabalpur because of their serious condition.
Traders Say They Were Chased and Beaten
According to Hasan Qureshi, he was travelling with Abid Qureshi and another man, Hussain Khan, to transport buffaloes to a cowshed in Sagar when a group of men stopped their vehicle near Hardua Kyolari.
The traders alleged that the group initially tried to stop them by throwing a brick at their vehicle. They said they attempted to flee but were chased for several kilometres before being caught.
The men alleged that they were tied with ropes, dragged and beaten with sticks in front of villagers. They also claimed that they were forced to make statements on camera while being assaulted.
Hasan further alleged that the traders showed documents related to the transportation of the buffaloes but were beaten despite producing them.
The injured men named several individuals, including Deepak Nema, Chhutka and Nikhil Chaurasia, in connection with the alleged assault. The allegations have not been independently verified.
Police Say Investigation Is Underway
Additional Superintendent of Police Sujit Singh Bhadoria said police would register a case after recording the injured men’s statements. Officials are also examining documents related to the purchase and transportation of the buffaloes.
The victims alleged that police intervention helped save them from further assault. They also questioned the delay in registering their complaint.
