The Cyberabad police have arrested five men who call themselves “Gau Rakshaks” (cow protectors) after they attacked a driver carrying bulls in Attapur on Sunday night. Their actions led to a violent clash between two communities, in which three police officers were also injured.
The incident took place around 9:30 pm on June 8 when the accused stopped a vehicle carrying two bulls from Dabirpura to Bharat Nagar. According to the police, they claimed to be cow protectors and called more people through a WhatsApp group named “Kattar Hindu Sena.”
“They pelted stones, shouted slogans like ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and attacked the driver,” said an officer from Attapur police station. “One man hit the driver in the stomach with a stone. They stole his phone and Rs 2,000 cash.”
Soon, people from the local area gathered to support the driver. The situation got worse as the two groups started shouting slogans — some shouted “Allahu Akbar” in response. This led to stone-pelting from both sides, injuring three police officers.
The police stepped in and took the injured driver and bulls to the station. “We have arrested five people and sent them to jail. Eight more are still missing,” said Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanthi.
The arrested men have been charged with rioting, robbery, trying to create religious hatred, and other crimes. The police are still looking for the main accused, Ambadas, and others who are on the run.
Speaking about the incident, Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said, “These people are not cow protectors. They are hate criminals trying to disturb peace in Hyderabad. Strong action must be taken against them.”
Police officials promised strict action. “No one will be allowed to take law into their own hands. We will catch everyone involved,” said DCP Rajendranagar Zone C.H. Srinivas.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com.
