4 held for thrashing Muslim on suspicion of carrying cow meat in Surat

Ilyas Shaikh (62), is a resident of Chhota Udepur, who was intercepted and beaten by gau rakshaks.

Days after the driver of a tempo carrier was thrashed by a mob allegedly led by “gau rakshaks” on suspicion of carrying cow meat, Surat police on Friday made four arrests in connection with the case.

According to police, some youths who claimed to be “gau rakshaks” intercepted the tempo carrier laden with cattle skin and bones at Pandesara in Surat on August 21. They alleged that the driver, Ilyas Shaikh (62), a resident of Chhota Udepur, was also carrying beef and managed to gather a large crowd at the spot.

The “gau rakshaks” damaged the tempo carrier and thrashed Shaikh, but police soon reached the spot to disperse the crowd. The policemen also checked the vehicle and found cattle remains, but no cow meat. Shaikh informed policemen that he was transporting cattle skin and bones from Khajod disposal site of Surat Municipal Corporation and also showed documents in support of his claims.

Acting on a complaint lodged by Shaikh in connection with the attack on him, Pandesara police on Friday arrested Ramdhani Yadav (42), Vinod Tiwari (38), Omprakash Dubey (40), and Brijesh Dixit (39), all natives Uttar Pradesh. “We have arrested four persons who were part of the mob that thrashed the tempo driver and also damaged his vehicle. We have identified them through recording of CCTV cameras. A few others are still wanted and we will arrest them in coming days,” said ACP (F-Division) Mukesh Patel.