The activists of Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) Gau Raksha wing have intensified their efforts to “clamp down” on cow smuggling and slaughtering in Uttar Pradesh.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of action from the authorities, the leaders of the organization have demanded the formation of a dedicated police team to tackle the issue head-on.
In a press conference held at the Kashi Prant headquarters, regional secretary Lal Mani Tiwari addressed the media and expressed grave concerns about the escalating incidents of cow smuggling and slaughtering in the district.
He said that despite the lodging of more than a dozen First Information Reports (FIRs) with different police stations over the past year, no significant progress has been made in apprehending the “culprits responsible for these heinous acts.”
“The police have failed to ensure the arrest of people named in the FIRs. Cops have also failed to submit charge sheets in the courts as well,” asserted Lal Mani Tiwari.
He further emphasized that the situation was becoming “untenable” and called for immediate action to curb the “illegal activities”.
In their demand for a dedicated police team, the VHP activists have set a strict 15-day ultimatum for the authorities to apprehend the racketeers, especially those named in the FIRs filed in the past year. Failure to meet this deadline would lead to the activists approaching the chief minister to seek redressal.
The leaders of the Gau Raksha wing also called upon senior police authorities to conduct thorough investigations and identify any potential collusion between certain policemen and the people involved in cow smuggling and slaughtering. They stressed that stringent action must be taken against any officers found to be aiding the networks.
“Cow smuggling and slaughtering will not be tolerated at any cost in the region,” asserted the leaders. They reiterated their commitment to protecting cows, which are considered sacred in Hinduism, and safeguarding the “cultural values associated with the animal.”
Cow Vigilante Groups in India
Cow vigilante groups in India have garnered significant attention in recent years. These groups are composed of individuals who see themselves as protectors of cows, revered by Hindus as sacred animals. They often take matters into their own hands, conducting patrols and taking direct action against those they suspect of being involved in cow smuggling or slaughtering.
The activities of these groups have been marred by incidents of violence and vigilantism. These actions have raised concerns about lawlessness and social tensions in the country, prompting debates on the need for a balanced approach that ensures the rule of law while also respecting religious sentiments.
