NEW DELHI (Kashmir English): A Muslim man was assaulted and forced to perform a Hindu religious ritual by a self-styled cow vigilante group in the Barabanki district of India’s Uttar Pradesh state.
According to Kashmir Media Service, around 15 to 20 members of a group identifying itself as the Sanatan Gauraksha Dal accused the man of allegedly making derogatory remarks about cows.
A video circulating on social media reportedly shows the group beating him despite his apologies, forcing him to call his father, and threatening him with abusive language.
The victim was dragged to a shed, compelled to kneel before a calf, touch its legs, and chant a religious slogan while being forced to perform acts of worship.
Indian police
Following the circulation of the video, police sought details of the incident through social media and asked for a formal complaint to initiate action.
The incident drew sharp criticism from Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain, who described it as a grave violation of human dignity and constitutional rights.
He urged the Uttar Pradesh government to take strict action against those involved, saying such vigilante violence reflects growing lawlessness and intimidation targeting religious minorities.
