The arrest stands in contrast to the pattern of Muslims being persecuted, assaulted and even lynched in the name of cow protection
VARANASI — Social media is abuzz after Uttar Pradesh Police arrested four Hindu men for allegedly smuggling cows in Varanasi. Sixteen bovines were seized from them.
The accused have been identified as Shivendra Singh, Abhishek Tiwari, Chhotu Singh and Ashu Kharwar. According to the police, the cattle were being transported in a mini-truck that was intercepted near the Dafi Toll Plaza under the jurisdiction of Lanka police station on Monday, July 13.
The arrest stands in contrast to the pattern of Muslims being persecuted, assaulted and even lynched in the name of cow protection, even when they are lawfully transporting cattle.
The incident has triggered sharp reactions on social media, with several users drawing comparisons to several previous cases in which Muslims accused of transporting or slaughtering cows were assaulted or lynched by self-styled cow vigilantes.
https://x.com/zoo_bear/status/2077309941447303339?s=20
One user wrote, “Four accused (Shivendra Singh, Abhishek Tiwari, Chhotu Singh and Ashu Kharwar) were arrested for alleged cow smuggling from Uttar Pradesh. Are they mullah? I’m asking Andh Bhakts.”
Another user commented, “Now Hindu sentiments are not getting hurt and there will be no humiliation and lynchings as the culprits are not Muslims but Hindus.”
While the other user said, “Let’s see if their homes will be demolished, or are these things reserved only for Muslims?” referring to previous instances in which authorities demolished properties of individuals accused of crimes, especially in cases involving Muslims.
Police said that the animals were being transported from Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal for slaughter. “A total of 16 bovines were rescued during the operation,” police told the media.
The rescued cattle were seized, while the accused were booked under relevant provisions of the law.
According to the police, further investigation is underway to determine whether some other individuals were involved in the smuggling network and to trace its links.
Police have not released any additional details regarding the case.
