Hindu youth Stabbed During Protest Against Cow Slaughter [Medak, Telangana]

(Reported as seen)

Tensions have risen sharply in Medak town following the stabbing of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) karyakarta Raj Arun on June 15. The incident, allegedly perpetrated by a Muslim mob, took place during a peaceful march to the police station, where protesters aimed to file a complaint against illegal cow slaughter.

The trouble began when activists from the Gow Samrakshana Samiti and BJYM identified cows being held in the Bangla Cheruvu area, suspected to be for illegal slaughter. Responding to the tip-off, police seized the animals. Activists also reported another location in Narsikhed, where an Islamic madrasa was allegedly keeping 70 more cows for slaughter. However, before the police could act, madrasa members attacked Hindus attempting to reach the site with sticks and rods.

Following these violent encounters, Hindus assembled at a local Ramalaya temple to organize a march to the police station to lodge a formal complaint. The situation intensified as Muslim groups brandished weapons and made provocative gestures toward the peaceful protestors. During the march, near the Shivaji statue, Raj Arun was stabbed by a member of the Muslim mob armed with knives and swords. He was immediately taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The violence escalated further when the police, attempting to control the situation, conducted a lathi charge, resulting in injuries to several Hindus. Concurrently, another Muslim mob pelted stones from the rooftops of the hospital at Hindus gathered at the police station, worsening the chaos. Shops at Ramdas Chowrasta and the old bus stand were vandalized amid the unrest.

In response to what they perceived as police high-handedness against Hindus instead of cow smugglers, the BJP Medak District unit called for a bandh on Sunday, supported by BJYM and Gow Samrakshana Samiti. The situation remains tense, with authorities closely monitoring developments.

As tensions continued to escalate, police detained Gaddam Srinivas, BJP Medak district president, along with eight other BJYM and BJP members, in connection with the violence in Medak town. BJP MLA Raja Singh visited the injured karyakartas at the hospital, showing solidarity.

During a press conference, the police announced that they have identified approximately 80 individuals involved in the incident and assured that necessary actions will be taken against all the accused.

The incident underscores the volatile nature of communal relations in the area and the urgent need for authorities to restore peace and order while ensuring justice for the victims of violence.