Again Muslim man killed over cow despite PM Modi’s denial of Muslim persecution
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Nashik: Despite repeated denial by BJP leaders and PM Narendra Modi himself of Muslim persecution over fabricated claims, such as Love Jihad and Cow slaughter by the hands of the majority right wing in India, another incident of lynching of a Muslim man happened in Nashik district of Maharashtra by the cow vigilantes.
The incident that has once again highlighted the persistent issue of communal violence in India, a 32-year-old Muslim man, Afan Ansari, was mercilessly beaten to death by a group of cow vigilantes in the Nashik district on Saturday night. Afan's aide, Nasir Sheikh, also suffered severe injuries during the assault and is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
The incident occurred when Afan and Nasir were intercepted by a mob of cow vigilantes who suspected them of smuggling beef. The assailants, driven by their misplaced beliefs and fuelled by religious animosity, subjected the victims to a brutal assault, causing grave harm. Local authorities were alerted to the incident and found the victims inside their damaged vehicle, rushing them to a nearby hospital. Tragically, Afan succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
The Nashik police have detained ten individuals so far in connection with the heinous crime. A case of murder and rioting has been registered based on the complaint lodged by the injured survivor. The police are actively investigating the incident, and the truth regarding the alleged smuggling of beef will be ascertained after the laboratory report is obtained.
The incident is the latest in a series of killings by mobs who identify themselves as 'the protectors of cows' in India, despite the courts and government authorities vowing to have taken measures to prevent such occurrences.
Critics argue that such incidents are a direct consequence of the divisive narrative propagated by right-wing factions, including the ruling BJP which has consistently denied any discrimination against Muslims.
The tragic event in Nashik comes on the heels of the Maharashtra government's recent approval of a commission aimed at enforcing a stringent law banning cow slaughter. The Bombay High Court had previously upheld the legality of the Act, allowing competent authorities to inspect and seize vehicles suspected of transporting cows, bulls, or bullocks. The legislation also prohibits the transportation of animal flesh for the purpose of slaughter.