Another Muslim lynched by Hindu cow vigilantes in India
Kolkata : A 52-year-old Muslim cattle handler was lynched by self-styled Hindu cow vigilantes while transporting a cow in India’s West Bengal state, in the latest incident of mob violence linked to so-called cow protection groups.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the body of Montu Mia was recovered from beneath a bridge over the Khutamara River in Cooch Behar district, hours after he went missing while delivering a cow purchased at a local livestock market.
Local media reports and the family’s complaint said Montu earned a living by escorting cattle bought at village markets to buyers’ homes. He had been hired to deliver a cow from Gosai’s Market to a nearby village after the market reopened following a two-month suspension during the state election period.
Relatives said Montu left the market with the animal on Saturday evening but never reached his destination. After an overnight search, local fishermen found his body beneath the bridge the following morning, while the cow was reportedly recovered alive near the scene.
The family said that Montu was intercepted and brutally assaulted by self-styled cow vigilantes before his body was dumped into the river. They said his body bore multiple injuries, including broken teeth, adding that acid had been poured on parts of his face and body.
“They killed him, poured acid on his face and body, and threw him into the river,” his father-in-law, Tariq Mia, said while demanding a thorough investigation and punishment for those responsible.
Police said a criminal case has been registered at Sitalkuchi Police Station and an investigation is underway. However, no arrests had been made and the assailants remained unidentified.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the growing trend of mob lynchings and vigilante violence targeting Muslims involved in the cattle trade in India. Human rights groups have repeatedly expressed concern over such attacks and called for strict action against those responsible.
