Self-styled cow vigilante with nearly three million Instagram followers accused of leading attack on Muslim man after alleging he befriended minor under Hindu name; no official confirmation from authorities so far
GHAZIABAD — Self-styled cow vigilante and Hindutva leader Daksh Chaudhary allegedly led a mob in brutally assaulting a Muslim man after accusing him of “love jihad,” a conspiracy theory promoted by right-wing groups claiming Muslim men lure Hindu women into relationships to convert them to Islam.
The victim, identified as Imran, was targeted after Chaudhary claimed he had allegedly befriended a 17-year-old Hindu girl from Etah, Uttar Pradesh, by posing under a Hindu name. Chaudhary, who has nearly three million followers on Instagram, is known for sharing videos of confrontations and attacks that he frames as “rescues” of Hindu women.
A video of the incident, which has since gone viral on social media, shows Chaudhary and several associates repeatedly beating Imran while hurling abuses. In multiple clips, Imran can be seen with a visibly swollen eye, pleading for mercy as he is slapped, punched, and threatened.
In one segment of the footage, Chaudhary is heard telling the victim, “Na ise Allah bachayega, na koi aur. Ab tera baap aa gaya” (Neither Allah nor anyone else will save you. Now your father has arrived). Imran is also heard saying “galti ho gayi” (I made a mistake) as the assault continues.
Chaudhary alleged in the video that Imran had introduced himself to the minor as “Manish Chauhan” and further claimed that the man was already married with children. No official confirmation of these allegations has been released by authorities so far.
The activist operates under a Hindutva outfit called Gauseva and has previously drawn criticism for allegedly harassing Muslim men based on unverified accusations. Rights groups and activists have repeatedly warned that the rhetoric around “love jihad” has been used to justify vigilante violence and communal targeting.
The incident reportedly took place in Ghaziabad, though police officials had not issued a detailed statement at the time of writing. It remains unclear whether any arrests have been made or whether Imran has filed a formal complaint.
The viral footage has sparked outrage online, with many demanding swift action against those involved and calling for stronger measures to curb mob violence carried out in the name of religion.
