Uttar Pradesh Police Arrest 19 Amid Protests Over Cow Vigilante's Death

The Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested 19 people following violent protests triggered by the death of cow vigilante Chandrashekhar. While supporters claim he was murdered by cattle smugglers, authorities assert he died in a road accident. The protests disrupted traffic on the Delhi-Agra highway, leading to clashes with police. A first information report has been filed against a known criminal linked to the unrest, and tear gas was used to disperse the crowd. This incident has raised questions about law enforcement's response and the circumstances surrounding Chandrashekhar's death.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 23, 2026, 08:53 IST

Protests Erupt Following Cow Vigilante's Death

On Sunday, the Uttar Pradesh Police announced the detention of 19 individuals for allegedly obstructing the Delhi-Agra highway and inciting violence following the death of cow vigilante Chandrashekhar, also known as 'Farsa Wale Baba', in Mathura district.

While demonstrators asserted that Chandrashekhar was murdered by cattle smugglers, law enforcement officials stated that he died in a traffic incident, having been struck by a truck in heavy fog.

According to police reports, thousands of Chandrashekhar's supporters gathered on the national highway on Saturday, causing disturbances during President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Govardhan town.

Authorities claimed that the protesters blocked traffic for several kilometers and resorted to stone-throwing when police attempted to clear the area. Several officers sustained injuries during the clashes, and damage was reported to a police outpost and government vehicles.

A first information report has been lodged against Daksh Chaudhary and his associates under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police allege that Chaudhary, a known criminal from Ghaziabad, has a history of vandalism and vehicle looting.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Shailesh Pandey informed a Media Channel that tear gas was deployed to disperse the crowd.

Additionally, a case has been initiated against the truck driver involved in the incident that led to Chandrashekhar's death, who was a prominent religious figure in the Braj region.

On the night of the incident, police reported that Chandrashekhar had stopped a vehicle in the Kosi police station area, suspecting it was carrying cattle. He was subsequently struck by a truck approaching from behind due to the poor visibility caused by fog.