New Delhi, Sep 5: Rocky Rana, a self-proclaimed cow vigilante from Delhi, has come under scrutiny for posting violent videos on social media, where he is seen attacking individuals he accuses of being involved in cow transportation. His actions have drawn widespread criticism and sparked serious concerns about the unchecked rise of cow vigilantism in India.
In a reel shared on his Facebook page on September 1st, Rana identified himself as the president of the Gau Raksha Dal Delhi. Fact-checker Mohammed Zubair has publicly urged authorities to take immediate action against Rana. Despite several cases filed against him, Rana continues to upload videos of violent assaults and openly solicits donations to fund future attacks. Zubair warns that such actions have created an atmosphere of fear and communal tension, particularly among minorities, who are frequently targeted.
A shocking incident recently surfaced on microblogging site X showing Rocky Rana brazenly assaulting drivers transporting cows, this time right in front of the police.
The rise of cow vigilantism has already led to several tragic incidents, including the recent killing of Aryan Mishra, a Class 12 student mistakenly identified as a cattle smuggler and shot dead by vigilantes in Faridabad. This has raised alarms about the dangers of mob-based justice, with innocent people being wrongfully attacked under the guise of cow protection.
Critics warn that such vigilantism is not only illegal but also poses an alarming threat to social harmony. The normalization of these hate-driven crimes is exacerbated by the failure of authorities to take action against perpetrators like Rana.
Rana’s growing presence on social media has worsened the situation. His violent videos are fueling the spread of misinformation and hate speech. Platforms like Facebook, where Rana is most active, have been criticized for failing to moderate and remove content that promotes violence.
Human rights activists and legal experts have called on the Delhi Police and other authorities to investigate Rana’s actions and take decisive steps to prevent further harm. Many argue that failing to hold vigilantes like Rana accountable emboldens other extremists and undermines the rule of law in India.
