Citizens, activists protest at India Gate, demand action against mob lynching

Months after Pehlu Khan - a dairy farmer was killed on the suspicion of being a cow smuggler by self-styled 'Gau-rakshaks', Ummar Khan, also belonging from Rajasthan was allegedly shot at, beheaded and left on railway tracks, mutilated in Rajasthan's Alwar district.

After five days, from the day of the attack, Rajasthan Police managed to arrest two accused in the case. Ummar's body was found on the railway tracks in a mutilated condition which made it even more difficult for identification. A case has been registered against Rajasthan Bovine Animal Act, however, the accused remained free for about 5 days.

A similar pattern could be seen in the case of Pehlu Khan, who was murdered in Alwar in Rajasthan by cow vigilantes and a case was registered against him and his son Irshaad on charges of cow smuggling. Even in case of Akhlaq - lynched on suspicion of storing beef at his home, the investigation was focused on the meat. In all the cases, the victims were made to suffer the legal process, more than the accused.

Protesters took to the streets to demand justice for such brutality and questioned the indifferent and brazen attitude of the government.

Student leader Umar Khalid called the ruling government fascist and said, "Mobilisation is the only way to create pressure on the government and a change can only come when this Government is thrown out of power,"

Kavita Krishnan, Secretary of the All India Progressive Women's Association reiterated Umar and said, "Our ministers should be held accountable and they are creating such an atmosphere deliberately to create an atmosphere of fear and hatred," Protests were carried out in different parts of the country after Ummar Khan alleged lynching.

OneIndia News