Tragic Death of Man Assaulted by Cow Vigilantes in Madhya Pradesh

Incident Overview

A Muslim individual succumbed to injuries after being attacked by a group of cow vigilantes in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, on Tuesday. Reports indicate that the victim, identified as 35-year-old Junaid Qureshi, was suspected of transporting cattle.

The violent episode took place on June 5, when Qureshi, who ran a dairy business in the Jinsi area of Bhopal, was traveling with a companion named Armaan. They were transporting seven cows and one bull in a pickup truck near Mehargaon village.

According to family members, a group of approximately 20 to 25 men, claiming to be part of a cow protection organization, halted their vehicle between Sanchi and Raisen and proceeded to assault them.

Mohammad Maj Qureshi, a relative, stated, “He was transporting the cows for dairy purposes. The assailants stopped them in Mehargaon and beat them throughout the night.”

In addition to the physical assault, the group reportedly stole around Rs 2 lakh from the two men.

Both Qureshi and Armaan were admitted to the intensive care unit at Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal. Unfortunately, Qureshi passed away on Tuesday morning, while Armaan remains in critical condition.

Footage of the attack has circulated widely on social media platforms.

In the aftermath of the incident, a first information report (FIR) was lodged, encompassing charges such as attempted murder and rioting with deadly weapons.

Nitin Ahirwar, the officer in charge of Sanchi Police Station, confirmed that three or four suspects have been apprehended, while more than ten others are currently evading arrest, with searches ongoing in Vidisha and nearby regions.

Additionally, a separate FIR was filed against Qureshi following a complaint from a local bike workshop owner. This complaint alleges violations of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Madhya Pradesh Prohibition of Slaughter of Cows Act.

The complainant claimed that he and three others intercepted Qureshi’s vehicle based on a tip-off regarding cattle smuggling from the Rahatgarh area. They alleged that the cattle were found in a cruelly cramped condition and were destined for slaughterhouses in Bhopal. The complainant further stated that Qureshi and Armaan failed to provide satisfactory explanations and attempted to flee, resulting in injuries when they fell.