In the Kudh Fatehgarh area, prompt police action prevents another mob attack by Gau Rakshaks. The targeted pickup was carrying chicken and fish, not beef
ALIGARH – Another shocking incident involving alleged Gau Rakshaks (cow vigilantes) and Hindu organisations was reported in the Uttar Pradesh city of Aligarh. A group of self-styled cow protectors stopped a pickup vehicle on suspicion of carrying beef and began a ruckus.
The incident took place in the Kudh Fatehgarh area of Aligarh District. Eyewitnesses said members of Hindu groups and Gau Rakshaks surrounded the pickup and accused the driver and others of transporting beef. They pushed and abused the men inside the vehicle.
Luckily, someone alerted the police in time. Officers reached the spot quickly and stopped the mob from becoming violent. Upon checking the pickup, the police found it was carrying waste remains of chicken and fish, not beef. The remains were being collected from local shops to be dumped.
A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. In the video, a police officer can be heard scolding the driver and his companions for the foul smell. He asks them to cover the remains. Later, the police buried the waste in a pit to avoid further tension.
“A big tragedy was avoided,” said a senior police officer on duty. “If we had reached late, the situation could have turned deadly.”
People in the minority community, especially Muslims, have expressed fear and concern. “It is becoming dangerous to even work honestly,” said Abdul Karim, a local. “Anyone can be accused, and then beaten or killed.”
This was not an isolated case. Just a few days earlier, on 25 May, four Muslim men were attacked in Alhaddapur under the Harduaganj police station. Hindu group members claiming to be Gau Rakshaks stopped their vehicle and beat them brutally, suspecting them of transporting beef. The vehicle was also set on fire.
The victims—Qadeem, Ali, Arbaaz and another youth—were all licensed meat traders. Police said they had valid documents and receipts from a meat factory. They were seriously injured in the attack.
According to police, this attack was not a sudden act of anger. It was a planned attempt to extort money. “The attackers had demanded ₹50,000 from the traders,” said a police official.
After a laboratory test, the meat was found to be buffalo meat — not from a banned animal. Police filed an FIR under serious charges including attempt to murder, robbery and extortion. Thirteen people were named in the case, along with 20 to 25 unknown persons.
“Several people have been arrested, but some are still absconding,” said a police spokesperson.
The series of attacks has spread fear among Muslims in Aligarh. Social activists have called for strong action against those misusing the name of cow protection to target minorities.
“We demand strict punishment for the attackers,” said Zubair Ahmed, a local activist. “This violence must stop. Innocent people are being targeted again and again.”
The police have promised continued vigilance and said they are taking steps to prevent such incidents. “We are alert and will not allow anyone to disturb peace in the city,” said the Aligarh SSP.
But the fear remains. For many, just being a Muslim and transporting meat, any kind of meat, has become a risk and invites trouble.
