Meat transporter assaulted, dies; 11 vigilantes held
Police also book 32-yr-old deceased, his companion for ‘animal cruelty’.
According to police, the two men who were assaulted were also booked under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Maharashtra police on Sunday arrested 11 people in connection with the killing of a 32-year-old man near Igatpuri in Nashik district. The man and his companion were assaulted on Saturday by a group of cow vigilantes who suspected they were transporting beef, police said.
According to police, the two men who were assaulted were also booked under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Afaan Abdul Majid Ansari succumbed to the injuries sustained after he and Nasir Sheikh were beaten with iron rods and wooden sticks.
Superintendent of Police (Nashik Rural) Shahji Umap said, “An employee of a toll plaza near Sinnar had noticed that the two were carrying meat inside their car. The employee then informed a member of the cow vigilante group, who then forwarded the information to his accomplices in Ghoti.”
Nasir was driving the vehicle and Ansari was seated next to him, police said. Three members of the vigilante group started following them in a car and a motorcycle, and assaulted them after catching up.
Police said the two injured men were found inside the vehicle. “As soon as we were informed, a team was sent to the spot and the two were rushed to the hospital. Ansari was declared dead during treatment while Sheikh was admitted and is recuperating,” an officer said.
On the basis of Sheikh’s statement, a case of murder, attempt to murder & rioting was filed.
“With the help of CCTV footage from the spot and other technical assistance, the suspects were identified, located and subsequently arrested,” the SP said.
Officials said the meat would be sent for forensic examination.
Subsequently, police said, a case was also registered against Ansari and Nasir on Sunday under relevant sections of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
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