In Nashik, Maharashtra, a violent mob attacked two Muslim youths, suspecting them of carrying beef. The attack resulted in the death of one of the victims, Affan Abdul Majeed Ansari, 32, while the other, Nasir Ghulam Hussain Qureshi, is currently receiving medical treatment.
Ansari, a resident of Mumbai’s Kurla area, was accompanied by his friend Nasir Ghulam Hussain when they were travelling in a car. They were stopped and violently attacked by men claiming to be cow vigilantes.
Ansari’s family has alleged that the men were attacked by cow vigilantes and members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bajrang Dal.
Mohammad Asghar, Affan’s uncle said, “A mob of about 26 right-wing men mercilessly attacked them while they were in the car, tying their hands and subjecting them to the relentless beating of three hours. Tragically, Affan lost his life instantly. We inspected their car, and there was no trace of cow meat in it.”
Affan’s mother said that even if her son had been carrying beef, there is a proper legal process in the country to handle such matters, and it is the authorities’ responsibility to address them appropriately.
“If these right-wing organizations are allowed to operate with impunity, then what purpose does the government serve?” she questioned.
She demanded compensation from the government, stating, “The government should provide us with appropriate compensation for the loss and injustice we have suffered.”
Meanwhile, the authorities have registered a case against 10-15 unidentified individuals concerning the incident.
Nashik Rural deputy SP Sunil Bhamre, speaking to Lokmat Times, said, “On reaching the spot, we found the car in a damaged condition. The injured men were inside the car and we admitted them to a nearby hospital where one of them died.”
“Based on the complaint filed by the injured person, we have registered a case of murder and rioting and are currently investigating the matter,” he said.
Bhamre stated that the meat found in the car belonging to the two Muslim men has been sent for forensic testing to determine whether it was buffalo meat or beef.
