Truck driver attacked by ‘cow vigilantes’ suffers brain injury

Seeking strict action against the accused, Aslam’s family members on Friday afternoon handed over a memorandum to Bharuch District Collector Dr Tushar Sumera and Bharuch District Superintendent of Police Mayur Chawda. Sub-inspector MH Wadher of Panoli police station said, “The accused have gone underground but our teams are putting all efforts to nab them.”

On Wednesday, Aslam left his house in Surat’s Mangrol taluka to Ankleshwar in Bharuch with eight calves and three cows on the pickup truck, as per the police complaint. His vehicle was hit from behind by another vehicle when he lost control. He was then attacked by four self-styled vigilantes, armed with sharp weapons and wooden sticks, police were told. Some locals nearby identified Aslam and they called up his uncle Gulam Mohammed Multan.  With his two friends, Gulam reached the spot and found Aslam in a pool of blood.

Aslam was rushed to Jayaben Mody Hospital where the doctors said he had suffered multiple fractures and severe injuries below the left eye, and on his head, face, and spinal cord. Speaking with The Indian Express, Dr Jaypalsinh Gohil of Jayaben Mody Hospital said, “Aslam Multani had incurred multiple fractures. The patient also had a brain hemorrhage. We carried out a successful operation…”

The self-styled vigilantes identified as Neha Patel, Nirav Patel, and Bharat Bharwad, apart from one unidentified youth, have been booked as an FIR was filed at Panoli police station. Police registered an offence under relevant sections of the IPC. A  complaint has been lodged against Aslam too.