Protests Erupt in Mathura After Cow Protector's Death in Alleged Smuggling Incident

Tensions flared in Mathura's Kosi area after the alleged murder of a cow protector, Chandra Shekhar, by cattle smugglers. Following the incident, hundreds of locals protested, blocking a major highway and demanding justice. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has taken notice, promising strict action against those responsible. As the community rallies for accountability, the situation remains tense with heavy police presence in the area. Read on for more details about this unfolding story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 21, 2026, 12:49 IST

Clashes Erupt Following Cow Protector's Death

In the Kosi area of Mathura, a clash occurred between police and local residents after a cow protector was allegedly killed by cattle smugglers. This incident took place early Saturday morning in the Kosi Kalan region. The victim, a well-known cow protection activist and saint named Chandra Shekhar, popularly referred to as 'Farsa Wale Baba', died in what supporters claim was not an accident but a deliberate act by smugglers, escalating tensions in the area.

Details of the Incident

Reports indicate that the incident happened around 4:00 AM on Saturday. Chandra Shekhar was reportedly pursuing a suspicious truck believed to be involved in cattle smuggling when the collision occurred near Navipur village in the Kosi Kalan police jurisdiction. It is alleged that the smugglers deliberately struck his motorcycle, resulting in a fatal crash.

Community Response and Protests

As news of his death spread, hundreds of cow protectors and local villagers gathered at the scene. The crowd blocked the Delhi-Agra highway (NH-19) in the Chhatta area, causing long traffic jams in both directions. Protesters demanded the immediate arrest of those involved and strict action against them. Following the incident, Chandra Shekhar's body was taken to his cow shelter in Barsana, while police arrived to manage the situation.

Government Reaction

Authorities attempted to send the body for a post-mortem, but the protests and traffic disruptions hindered the process. To prevent further escalation, a heavy police presence has been deployed in the area. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has acknowledged the incident in Kosi Kalan and expressed condolences to the victim's family. He has instructed officials to reach the site immediately and ordered strict action against the perpetrators, emphasizing that no guilty party will be spared.