Cow vigilantes assault family of 5 including 9-year-old girl in Kashmir

Self-styled 'gau rakshaks' allegedly beat up a family of five with iron rods in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. Those injured also include a 9-year-old girl, the victims claimed. The nomad family that is currently being treated in a hospital claimed that a group of cow vigilantes intercepted them while they were moving with their livestock near Talwara area. To the family's horror, the group even took away their entire flock of goats, sheep and cows.

The 9-year-old girl is said to have suffered injuries as a result of the assault. The local police have registered a case and an FIR has been filed. "We have registered an FIR and have asked DIG of Udhampur range to visit the area. Strict action will be initiated against the accused," said Jammu and Kashmir police chief SP Vaid. While no arrests have been made, the local police claimed to have identified five of the assaulters. Police however, claimed that the child was not assaulted but investigation will reveal further details.

The victims alleged that the mob beat up family members with no concern for the young and the elderly. "Our children and elders were beaten alike. One 10-year-old child is still missing. They did not spare even our dogs. We had 16 cows in the flock," said one of the victims of Friday. The region is home to many nomadic families that shift from place to place with their flock of sheep, goat, cattle, horses etc.

OneIndia News