Two Muslim men were assaulted on February 15 after members of Bajrang Dal stopped them for allegedly transporting cattle near the Outer Ring Road under Vanasthalipuram Police Station limits, reports Radiance News.
The victims were identified as Mirza Haroon Baig, who was driving the vehicle, and Mohammed Taher, a resident of Moin Bagh. A group of 15 to 20 men intercepted their vehicle while they were carrying two calves. The group then attacked both men.
Majlis Bachao Tehreek spokesperson Amjedullah Khan said the victims approached Vanasthalipuram Police after the assault. He alleged that police booked the victims and seized their vehicle. Authorities shifted the calves to a gaushala.
In a video shared online, Haroon’s brother said Taher had asked Haroon to transport the calves as he wanted to care for them until Bakrid. He said Haroon showed a bill to those who stopped him, yet they assaulted him.
Khan contacted the Inspector and the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Vanasthalipuram. He later visited the police station and questioned whether Telangana has a blanket ban on cattle transport. He also challenged the claim that the animals were cows and criticised the police response.
Khan demanded a case against Bajrang Dal members, medical examination for the injured men, and withdrawal of cases if no violation is found. He said private groups taking law into their own hands weaken the rule of law in the state.