Police in Maharashtra’s Jalna district have registered a case against six alleged cow vigilantes for assaulting a Dalit man and allegedly forcing him to consume cow dung. The accused reportedly targeted the victim after claiming he planned to sell a bull to a Muslim butcher.
The incident is said to have occurred on May 23. Parameshwar Suhas Hiwale, the complainant, approached the police only in August after a video of the alleged assault began circulating widely on social media.
According to the complaint, Hiwale was returning to Jalna with his 11-year-old son and an acquaintance, Narayan Maroti Kamble. The group had visited the weekly cattle market in Deulgaon Raja, where Hiwale said he had purchased a bull. While passing through the Kanhaiyanagar area, they were allegedly stopped by a group of men who identified themselves as members of the Bajrang Dal and other cow protection organisations.
The men accused Hiwale of intending to sell the animal to a Muslim butcher. Hiwale denied the charge and produced documents related to the legitimate purchase of the bull. Despite this, the group allegedly assaulted him and forced him to eat cow dung.
Authorities have booked the six accused under relevant sections of the law following the formal complaint. The delayed reporting stems from the victim coming forward only after the video gained traction online, bringing renewed attention to the case.
The episode has drawn focus to ongoing concerns around cow vigilantism and the targeting of individuals from marginalised communities in the state. Police investigations are continuing to establish the full sequence of events and the identities of all those involved. Officials have indicated that further action will be taken based on evidence, including the circulating video footage.
Hiwale’s account highlights the fear and vulnerability experienced by those transporting cattle, even when documentation is available. The case underscores the need for thorough probe into such allegations to ensure accountability.
This story was originally published in muslimmirror.com. Read the full story here.