In a disturbing incident, Hindu extremists posing as cow vigilantes viciously attacked and assaulted a Sikh truck driver, employing his turban to restrain him before the assault. This appalling act sheds light on the alarming trend of cow vigilantism in India, particularly in Punjab and Haryana , where these self-proclaimed Gau Raksha Dals have transformed into criminal enterprises, extorting protection money from cattle transporters and wreaking havoc on the dairy industry.
The surge in cow vigilantism across India since the ascent of Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party in 2014 has raised serious concerns. Despite the existence of laws in most states prohibiting the slaughter of cows for meat, vigilante groups have taken it upon themselves to enforce their interpretation of these laws, often resorting to violence against those they suspect of cow-related offenses.
This incident is reminiscent of previous attacks by cow vigilantes, including the tragic killing of a Muslim man transporting cows, which occurred just over a year prior. These incidents underscore the growing influence of pro-Hindu fringe groups, operating with apparent impunity and defying law enforcement efforts.
Critics fear that under Modi's leadership, these fringe groups are evolving into private militias, emboldened to act outside the bounds of the law and instill fear among minority communities. The assault on the Sikh truck driver serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the menace of cow vigilantism and uphold the rule of law to ensure the safety and dignity of all citizens.
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