'Gau rakshaks' attack trucks carrying cows for Centre's bovine-protection program
A 50-strong mob in Rajasthan's Barmer attacked five trucks carrying cows, assaulted the drivers and tried to set them ablaze. Ironically, the cows had been purchased by the Tamil Nadu government for an initiative to save bovines. It had spent Rs. 25L on those 50 animals. Four people have been arrested and seven cops suspended. Fifty people have been named in the FIR.
What happened?
The TN government had procured cows of different breeds from Jaisalmer. The trucks had necessary documents and were carrying 'On govt duty' stickers. At around 11:30pm, they were intercepted on NH-15, a little distance away from a police station. Despite officials pleading, the mob attacked them. They tried to burn a vehicle with at least 13 cows inside. In the chaos, two cows ran away.
Four arrested, five cops suspended, 50 named in FIR
Four were arrested for "violence, damage to public property and for obstructing government officials from discharging of duty". Seven cops were also suspended for "not taking the matter seriously and arriving late at the scene".
TN had spent Rs. 50L on the cows
The cows were being transported under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, which aims to preserve indigenous breeds of cows. Tamil Nadu had spent Rs. 50L on those cows, including renting trucks for R. 1.25L each and advance payment of Rs. 60,000 to drivers. In April, vigilantes attacked Alwar-based Pehlu Khan for transporting cows; he later succumbed to injuries. Khan was carrying cows for his farm.
