A 28-year-old Muslim man from Haryana died in Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi area under disputed circumstances, with his family alleging that he was shot by members of the Bajrang Dal on suspicion of cow smuggling. Police, however,said the exact cause of death will be known only after the post-mortem and forensic reports are completed.
The incident took place late at night within the jurisdiction of the Chopanki Police Station in Alwar district. The deceased, identified as Aamir, was a resident of Palla in Haryana.
According to police officials, information was received early in the morning that a pickup truck loaded with cattle was moving from Tapukda towards Tawadu and that some people were chasing it. A confrontation took place near Sare Kala village.
Bhiwadi Deputy Superintendent of Police Kailash Choudhary said that stone pelting occurred between two groups. “An altercation took place near Sare Kala village. A young man identified as Aamir was seriously injured and later declared dead at the hospital. The exact cause of death will be confirmed only after detailed investigation,” he said.
Police added that five cattle were recovered from a pickup vehicle found near the spot. “The vehicle and the animals have been seized as part of the investigation,” an officer said.
Family Alleges Firing and Targeted Killing
Aamir’s family has denied that he was involved in cow smuggling and claimed that he was attacked without reason. They have lodged a named First Information Report against several individuals.
“He was killed in cold blood,” a family member alleged. “They accused him of cow smuggling and opened fire.”
Aamir’s maternal uncle, Yahya Khan, said Aamir worked as a driver. He was married and is survived by his wife and a two-year-old daughter.
“He had come to pick up a vehicle and was standing by the roadside with a friend when a cattle-laden pickup passed by,” Yahya Khan said. “Some people mistook him for a cow smuggler. They rammed their vehicle into him and fired five to six rounds. A bullet hit him near his eye.”
The family claimed that 15 to 20 people arrived in three vehicles and fled after the attack. They alleged that members of Bajrang Dal were involved and demanded strict action.
Following the incident, a large number of relatives and villagers gathered at the police station and staged a protest.
Police Version and Investigation
Presenting the police version, DSP Kailash Choudhary said that Aamir was allegedly among those in the pickup vehicle and that stones were found loaded inside it. “He was injured during the stone pelting and later succumbed to his injuries,” he said.
On the allegation of firing, he added, “It will become clear after the post-mortem whether the death was caused by a bullet or due to injuries sustained during the clash.”
Superintendent of Police Prashant Kiran reached the spot along with officers from multiple police stations. A medical board has been formed to conduct the autopsy. The body was handed over to the family after the examination.
Police said additional forces have been deployed in Bhiwadi and nearby areas to maintain law and order. “We are closely monitoring the situation. People should not spread rumours,” a district official said.
Background of Cow Vigilantism Cases in Rajasthan
The allegation that Aamir was targeted over cow smuggling comes amid a history of similar incidents in Rajasthan. In 2017, Pehlu Khan was killed in Alwar in a case that drew national outrage. In 2018, Rakbar Khan was allegedly lynched in the same district.
In February 2023, Junaid and Nasir from Nuh in Haryana were found dead after their vehicle was allegedly set on fire in Rajasthan. The case led to the arrest of Monu Manesar and remains under judicial process.
Civil rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about attacks carried out on suspicion of cow smuggling and have called for strict action against vigilante groups.
In Aamir’s case, police said all angles are being examined. “We will proceed strictly based on evidence. If anyone is found responsible, appropriate legal action will be taken,” an officer said.
Authorities have urged people to rely only on verified information as the investigation continues.
