Contrary to the initial reports and the statement from one of the victims' families about the deaths of three cattle transporters under a bridge in Arang, located in Chhattisgarh's Raipur district, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted a chargesheet before a court, claiming that the deaths were not caused by cow vigilantes' assault but occurred when the victims jumped from the bridge while trying to escape the mob.
The SIT report claimed that the deaths of Saddam Qureshi, Guddu Khan, and Chand Miya Khan occurred when they were transporting cattle from Mahasamund to Raipur on June 7. They were allegedly chased by a group of self-proclaimed gau rakshaks, or cow protectors, The Indian Express reported.
The mob, travelling in three cars, intercepted the cattle transporters' truck and began a 53-kilometre chase. Throughout the pursuit, the mob reportedly pelted the truck with rocks, breaking its windshield. According to the chargesheet, the accused were aware of the illegal nature of their actions and the potential for causing injury or death.
As the chase progressed, the frightened cattle transporters stopped their vehicle on a bridge over the Mahanadi River and jumped off in an attempt to evade their pursuers. Chand Miya Khan died at the scene, while Guddu Khan succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital. Saddam Qureshi, who initially survived the fall, later died on June 18.
Initially, the police filed an FIR under charges of assault and attempted murder, based on statements from the victims' families. However, the forensic report did not conclusively establish evidence of an assault. Consequently, the SIT revised the charges to culpable homicide and common intention, citing circumstantial and technical evidence.
Shoaib Khan, a relative of the deceased, had previously reported receiving frantic phone calls from the victims during the incident. The victims allegedly described being beaten and pleaded for water. However, the SIT's findings contradicted these claims, asserting that the victims were not physically assaulted but rather acted out of fear when they jumped from the bridge.
Despite the SIT's conclusions, the victims' families remain sceptical and have accused the police of misrepresenting the facts. They maintain that the victims were indeed assaulted, based on the distressing phone calls received during the incident. The families have expressed their intention to seek legal counsel for further action.
The chargesheet, built on circumstantial and technical evidence due to the absence of eyewitnesses, highlights the complexities of the case. The tragic deaths of the three cattle transporters underscore the dangerous consequences of mob vigilantism and raise questions about the protection of those engaged in lawful activities.