Cow vigilantes assault Muslim youth in UP
New Delhi: Self-styled cow vigilantes publicly assaulted and humiliated a Muslim youth in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, over allegations linked to “love jihad”, with a viral video of the attack triggering widespread condemnation.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the undated footage shows notorious vigilante Daksh Chaudhary alias “Akku Pandit” and associates beating the youth with belts, leaving him severely injured and partially naked.
The victim was forced to apologise while being questioned over claims of interfaith relationship. Daksh Chaudhary has previously been involved in multiple vigilante actions against individuals accused of interfaith relationships.
The video drew strong reactions on social media, with users condemning the assault and questioning rule of law. “Shocking & terrifying… Is there any rule of law left in this country?” one user posted on X. Another wrote they do not support such actions regardless of identity and questioned police action.The term “love jihad” has no legal recognition in India, but rights advocates warn such narratives fuel vigilante violence and bypass due process. Police have not yet issued a statement.
