Jalandhar Mob Assaults Truck Driver and Owner Over Baseless Cow Smuggling Claims
In a disturbing incident of vigilante justice, a truck transporting cows was intercepted by an aggressive mob on the Pathankot bypass in Jalandhar on Wednesday night. The driver and owner of the vehicle were subjected to physical assault and verbal abuse based on unfounded allegations of cow smuggling. The mob, led by Shiv Sena Samajwadi chairman Narinder Thapar, took the law into their own hands, creating a tense and volatile situation.
False Allegations and Mob Violence Captured on Video
The entire episode was filmed by the perpetrators, who then circulated the video on social media platforms. In the footage, appeals were made to other Hindu groups to join the scene, amplifying the chaos. Narinder Thapar can be heard claiming that they had received a tip-off about cows being smuggled, which prompted the confrontation.
When the driver and his associate were forced to open the back of the truck, revealing the cows inside, the mob escalated their aggression. They were seen holding the two men by their hair while hurling abuses at them. The victims had initially stated there was nothing in the cargo vehicle, but the presence of cows led the mob to accuse them of lying.
Police Intervention and Verification of Documents
Later that night, the mob took the victims to the Division VIII police station. However, upon thorough investigation, the police found all documents related to the transportation of the animals to be in perfect order. Jalandhar ASP (north) Ashok Meena confirmed that verification from both the seller and buyer revealed no illegal activity, leading to the release of the truck and its occupants.
ASP Meena added that the police are now investigating the antecedents of those who stopped, abused, and assaulted the driver and his associate. This move highlights the authorities' intent to address the vigilante excesses that occurred during the incident.
Details of the Transportation and Lack of Formal Complaint
SHO Sahil Chaudhary of Division VIII police station provided further context, explaining that the truck owner was accompanying the driver. They were transporting the cows from Meertut to Sujanpur near Pathankot, a routine agricultural activity. Interestingly, despite the clear abuse, the victims did not submit a formal complaint about being slapped or verbally abused, which is why no FIR has been lodged so far.
This aspect raises questions about the fear and intimidation that might prevent victims from seeking legal recourse in such high-tension situations.
Broader Implications and Community Response
The incident underscores the growing trend of mob justice based on unverified claims, particularly in sensitive matters like cow protection. The false allegations not only caused physical and emotional harm to innocent individuals but also wasted police resources. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for due process and legal verification before taking extreme actions.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring that such vigilante acts are curtailed and that justice is served for all parties involved. The community's response to the circulated video will likely play a role in shaping future discourse on similar issues.
