A fact-finding report has revealed alarming information regarding the assault and murder of Idrees Pasha that took place on March 30, 2023, shedding light on the ineffectiveness of the police and the brazenness of self-appointed “cow vigilantes.” The incident, led by Puneeth Kerehalli and other members of Rashtra Rakshana Pade, occurred in Sathanuru village, Kanakapura taluka, Ramanagara district, resulting in the death of Idrees Pasha and severe injuries to his companions. The report, compiled by a fact-finding team comprising Advocate Sivamanithan, Dr. Sylvia Karpagam, Siddharth K J, and Khasim Shoaib Qureshi, along with members of All India Jamaithul Quresh (Karnataka), reveals shocking details of the assault and its aftermath.
According to the fact-finding report, the incident took place near the Santhemala Circle, where a vehicle driven by Zaheer Pasha, accompanied by Irfan and Idrees Pasha, and carrying 16 animals, was stopped by a group of five individuals, including Puneeth Kerehalli. Armed with sticks and cricket wickets, the attackers accused the victims of transporting stolen animals. However, the victims produced receipts from the RMC Yard, proving the legality of their actions.
Despite the confrontation occurring a mere 600 meters from the Sathanuru Police Station, the police failed to intervene. It was later revealed that on the night of the incident, only three police personnel were on duty, and a patrol vehicle that had previously passed the location had failed to spot the attackers’ vehicle. The fact-finding team’s report raises serious concerns about the police’s response and their failure to prioritise the safety and security of the victims.
As the altercation escalated, Idrees Pasha and his companions attempted to flee from their assailants. While Irfan managed to escape, Idrees Pasha was captured by the attackers. He was brutally assaulted, with evidence indicating the possible use of electrical shock. Meanwhile, the vehicle’s driver, Zaheer, managed to hide but was later discovered and mercilessly beaten by the attackers.
Remarkably, a police constable from Sathanuru Police Station arrived at the scene as the assault was taking place. However, instead of apprehending the attackers, he took one of them and Zaheer to the police station on his two-wheeler. The remaining attackers openly declared their intention to search for the other victims. Astonishingly, the fact-finding report reveals that the police personnel made no effort to restrain or apprehend the attackers, allowing them to leave the police station. Tragically, Idrees Pasha’s life could have been saved if immediate action had been taken.
The fact-finding team also discovered troubling details surrounding the filing of First Information Reports (FIRs). The initial FIR (CR 0052/2023) was filed against the victims themselves, while the second FIR (CR 0053/2023) against the attackers was delayed by 4.5 hours, enabling their escape. It was only after the discovery of Idrees Pasha’s body that a third FIR (CR 0054/2023) was filed based on a complaint by his brother. This sequence of events suggests that the police prioritised the complaint of the attackers over the assault witnessed by one of their own personnel.
The fact-finding team’s investigation also uncovered further concerning aspects surrounding the handling of the case. It was revealed that the police had taken signatures of the surviving victims on plain white sheets, raising questions about the authenticity and proper documentation of their statements. Additionally, the surviving victims, who are crucial eyewitnesses, were not involved in the on-site inspection or brought before the magistrate to provide their statements under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
In a distressing revelation, the fact-finding team discovered that the family of the deceased had not been provided with a copy of the post-mortem report, further exacerbating their anguish and raising doubts about transparency and communication between the authorities and the affected parties.
During their investigation, the fact-finding team also highlighted the lack of adequate police protection for cattle traders and the absence of mechanisms to address incidents of violence against them. They noted a pressing need for improved communication and coordination between different government departments to ensure the safety and security of cattle traders and to prevent vigilante groups from targeting them.
Based on their findings, the fact-finding team put forth several recommendations aimed at averting similar incidents in the future. They emphasised the importance of providing police protection to cattle traders during their transportation activities, establishing a dedicated helpline for them to report incidents of violence or harassment, and launching awareness campaigns to promote the protection of their rights.
The brutal murder of Idrees Pasha serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by those involved in the cattle trade industry. The fact-finding report’s revelations concerning the assault and subsequent police inaction underscore the urgent need for better protection and support for this marginalised community.
It is now incumbent upon the authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident, hold the culprits accountable, and address the systemic failures that allowed such an atrocity to occur. Swift and decisive action must be taken to restore faith in the justice system and to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, irrespective of their occupation or community.
As this case continues to generate public outrage and demands for justice, it is hoped that the recommendations put forth by the fact-finding team will be seriously considered and promptly implemented. Only through proactive measures and a concerted effort to protect the rights and well-being of cattle traders can we prevent future instances of violence and uphold the principles of justice and equality for all.
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Shaik Zakeer Hussain is the Founder and Editor of The Cognate.
