In a disturbing incident, a Muslim cattle trader and a van driver were brutally beaten up by a group affiliated with the Hindutva organization Sri Ram Sena, allegedly for transporting cattle in Aurad town, Bidar, India Today reported.
The victims have been identified as Abdul Salim, the cattle trader, and Mujeeb Shaikh, the van driver, both hailing from Mannalli village in Bidar taluk.
According to reports, a van carrying cattle was forcibly halted by members of Sri Ram Sena at the APMC Market in Aurad town. The attackers subjected Salim and Shaikh to a severe assault, resulting in injuries that required immediate medical attention. Both victims were subsequently admitted to a local hospital for treatment.
Abdul Salim wasted no time and promptly lodged a formal complaint with the Aurad police station, naming the individuals responsible for the attack. The accused have been identified as Anil Devakatte, Munna Hakke, Sagar Chidre, Rajani Dama, Laxman Kumbar, Basavaraj Chowkampalle, and Vishal Koli, all residents of Aurad.
The Aurad police acted swiftly and registered a case against the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 341 (wrongful restraint), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and 149 (common intention). A comprehensive probe into the incident has been initiated.
In a twist to the case, Chowkampalle and Vishal Koli, two of the accused, filed a counter-complaint against Abdul Salim, Mujeeb Shaikh, and several others involved in cattle transportation. Their complaint invoked the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Ordinance, 2020.
