Palwal: A 28-year-old Muslim man, Yusuf, tragically lost his life after being brutally attacked by a mob in Palwal, Haryana, over allegations of cow smuggling. His companion sustained severe injuries and remains critical, reports The Hindu.
The incident unfolded when the two were transporting a cow and its calf. A group of self-proclaimed cow vigilantes intercepted their vehicle and accused them of smuggling the animals for slaughter. The mob launched a violent assault, leaving Yusuf critically injured. Despite being rushed to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, he succumbed to his injuries.
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation and highlighted the growing issue of mob violence under the guise of cow protection in Haryana. Activists have raised concerns over the stringent Cow Protection and Cow Promotion Bill, which mandates severe penalties for cow slaughter, often exacerbating communal tensions.
Kaleem Khan, a local social worker, decried the violence, stating, “This attack was inhumane. Legal procedures must be followed instead of resorting to such brutality.”
Haryana police have filed a murder case against 10 suspects but have yet to make arrests. Senior police official Amit Sharma affirmed that mob lynching is unacceptable and assured accountability for the perpetrators.
The incident has reignited debates about the misuse of cow protection laws and the dangers of vigilante justice. Human rights organisations have urged the authorities to address the situation and ensure justice through legal channels.
Yusuf’s grieving family has demanded swift action, with his relative Abdul Qadir stating, “He did not deserve to die like this.” Meanwhile, local residents, including shopkeeper Arvind Gupta, expressed fear over the growing divisions within the community.
The Haryana government has not issued an official statement, but the case is expected to prompt discussions about balancing strict legal enforcement with measures to prevent violence.
This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need to curb vigilantism and foster communal harmony in a region fraught with religious tensions.
