By Veena Nair
Hyderabad: Police have arrested nine self-proclaimed cow vigilantes (gau rakshaks), who earlier in the day attacked a DCM driver transporting bulls in Hyderabad, ahead of the Bakrid festival.
The incident occurred at around 1:45 am at Kottapet cross-roads near Chaitanyapuri Metro, when the Hindutva group stopped the vehicle, alleging the animals were being taken for slaughter.
Even after the driver said the animals were oxen and not cows, the gau rakshaks did not listen.
On information, the Chaitanyapuri Police reached the spot. The DCM driver showed the documents and said eight bulls were being transported for a film shooting near Purani Haveli. After verifying, the police allowed the vehicle to proceed.
However, when it reached near the Chaitanyapuri U-turn, the gau rakshaks allegedly followed it in two-wheelers, overtook it and started abusing and pelting stones at the driver.
On information, the police rushed to the spot and tried to bring the situation under control. An Inspector and two policemen were reportedly injured, while the vehicle was also damaged.
A case was registered under relevant sections and nine people have been arrested so far. They have been sent to judicial remand. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the remaining accused.
This story was originally published in siasat.com. Read the full story here.