ALIGARH/NEW DELHI – A forensic science laboratory (FSL) report has confirmed that the meat found in a truck attacked by a mob in Aligarh was of buffalo and not beef, as originally suspected. The incident, which occurred on 24 May, saw four Muslim meat traders brutally assaulted by cow vigilantes. The police have arrested four individuals in connection with the attack and say more arrests are likely.
The victims were accused of transporting cow meat by members of local Hindu organisations, who reportedly stopped the truck in Panethi area and launched a violent attack. All four traders sustained serious injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University. One of the victims remains in critical condition.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjeev Suman confirmed the development to the media. “The meat recovered from the spot was sent for forensic examination. The FSL report has now confirmed that it was buffalo meat, not cow meat,” he stated.
Police are continuing their investigation, identifying additional suspects based on video footage and eyewitness testimonies. “We have arrested four accused so far. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests will be made soon,” SP Suman added.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), often associated with cow protection activities, distanced itself from the incident. In a press conference held earlier this week, VHP leader Hamukesha Rajput said, “The investigation report regarding the incident has not come yet. VHP and Bajrang Dal have nothing to do with this matter. Any decision will be taken by the organisation only after the investigation report comes.”
However, the timing of the statement came under scrutiny as the police had already confirmed the FSL findings before the press conference.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.