6 ‘gau rakshaks’ arrested for killing youth in Maharashtra: What happened?

The details: “Chetan Sonawane (26), a resident of Ghoti, Igatpuri, who is allegedly linked to the RBD, got to know about the cows being transported and informed his associates,” a police officer said. Subsequently, 15-20 people had arrived in a Xylo car, two Swift cars, and on seven-eight bikes. They caught up with Ansari and others in Vihigaon when they had stopped to drink water.

According to the police, the mob first tried to extort money from the three saying that transporting cattle for slaughter was illegal. The assailants then allegedly beat the three cattle transporters with bamboo sticks and iron rods, following which Ansari went missing. His body was later recovered from a trench on June 10.

Read the full report here: Six ‘gau rakshaks’ held after missing man attacked by them found dead

The case:  The police arrested Pradeep Adhole alias Pappu (34), Bhaskar Bhagat (28), Chetan Somawne (26), Vijay Bhagade (26), Rupesh Joshi (39) and Shekhar Gaikwad (22) on June 11. Some of the accused have connections with the RBD, as per the police. “All six accused were produced before a local court and were remanded in police custody till June 17. We are trying to recover the weapons and vehicle used by the accused,” Inspector Raju Surve of Igatpuri police station said.

The gau rakshaks are have been booked under sections of murder, criminal conspiracy, and rioting.

What stood out: The police have also registered a case over illegal transportation and purchase of cow, bull, or bullock under relevant sections of the Maharashtra Animal Protection Act against Paddi and Ansari.