Locals lynch alleged cow smuggler in Himachal Pradesh

A seriously injured Noman was found by Himachal Pradesh Police on early on Thursday inside a truck at Sarahan village near Nahan, and rushed to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The incident was reported by the man’s relative as mentioned in Catch News. Sensing trouble, the truck driver allegedly tried to smash one of the vehicles by hitting it from the rear, Mr Rolta said.

The man was accused of smuggling cows for slaughter. Four of his accomplices, all Muslims, were arrested by the police. Residents had chased the truck and finally caught up with the alleged smugglers at Lavasa Chowk after the vehicle’s axle broke.

According to worldwide Business Times, the police suspect Bajrang Dal’s involvement in the slaying.

They also filed a case of murder under section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and are investigating whether Bajrang Dal activists were behind the lynching.

The body of Noman has been sent for post-mortem. Identified as Noman, the 22-year-old victim hailed from UP’s Saharanpur district and was part of the interstate cattle smugglers network, police sources said.

He also urged Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh to take steps to stop illegal smuggling of animals in the state, and take strict action against the people for beating the person to death and other four person, who have been arrested for alleged illegal cattle smuggling.

The truck, carrying the oxen and cows, was impounded by police.

Himachal Pradesh: Not for allegedly storing beef or consuming it but for transporting cows. Cow slaughter is banned in Uttar Pradesh.