Gau rakshaks attack cattle traders in Hyderabad’s Tukkuguda, 3 held

In Hyderabad's Tukkuguda region, a group of cattle traders faced an unexpected and violent attack from self-proclaimed cow vigilantes, known as gau rakshaks, on the night of April 5. The incident occurred as the drivers, hailing from Mallepally, were transporting 14 oxen to sell at the Tukkuguda weekly market.

The drivers recounted their harrowing experience, detailing how they were stopped at a chowrastha by a group of approximately 100-150 men wielding sticks, rods, and other weapons. Despite possessing all the necessary documents to transport the cattle, the gau rakshaks allegedly launched a brutal assault on the traders. One of the victims shared their distress in a video, stating, "We were stopped at the chowrastha by around 100-150 men carrying sticks, rods and other weapons, and they started attacking us."

The drivers emphasized that they had the required permits for the cattle transport. However, this did not deter the attackers. "Even after producing the permission papers, we were not spared," said another person involved in the incident. The violence escalated as the gau rakshaks chased the drivers, continuing their assault. One of the drivers suffered a broken finger, and their vehicle was severely damaged. The cattle, valued at Rs 6 lakh, were also affected, leaving the traders devastated. "Everything is lost," they lamented.

The injured men filed a complaint with the Pahadi Shareef Police. However, the Police Station House Officer (SHO), B Lakshmi Narayana Reddy, offered a different account of the events. He confirmed that the incident occurred and a large crowd gathered, but he downplayed the number of attackers to just 3-4 individuals. The SHO revealed that three people have been identified and are currently in police custody, with further investigations ongoing.

A case has been filed under sections 118(1) (which punishes voluntarily causing hurt using dangerous weapons or means) and 126 (wrongful restraint) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The distressed cattle were sent to the Gyan Mandir Gowshala in the city for care and protection.

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between cattle traders and gau rakshaks in Hyderabad, a city that has witnessed several such clashes in recent years. The violence underscores the need for effective law enforcement and a balanced approach to protect both the rights of the cattle and the traders involved in their transport. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how this case will be resolved and whether justice will be served for all parties involved.