Odisha Man Beaten to Death in Alleged Cow Vigilante Attack, Five Suspects Detained
A tragic incident unfolded in Odisha's Balasore district on Wednesday, resulting in the death of a 35-year-old man. He was brutally assaulted by a group of men who allegedly objected to the transportation of cattle in a van he was traveling in. The victim, identified as Sk Makandar Mahammad, succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at the Balasore district hospital.
Police Response and Initial FIR
Police first registered a case against the driver and owner of the van under the state's Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act. This initial report did not mention the assault. It described the van as being driven rashly, losing balance, and overturning, with a cow found at the scene. The cow was seized and taken to a goshala, while the vehicle was brought to the police station.
Second FIR Filed After Complaint
Later on Wednesday, based on a complaint from the victim's brother, Sk Jitendar Mahammad, another FIR was lodged. This complaint named five individuals, accusing them of detaining the van and brutally assaulting his brother with deadly weapons. It stated that a police patrol vehicle arrived and moved the victim to the hospital, where he died during treatment.
Allegations and Video Evidence
A purported video of the incident surfaced, showing the assailants forcing the victim to chant religious slogans. The accused have been booked under BNS section 103(2), which deals with punishment for murder committed by a mob. The driver and owner of the van were also booked under various sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Orissa Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act.
Police Action and Investigation
Balasore Superintendent of Police Pratyush Diwakar confirmed that all five accused named in the FIR have been detained during multiple raids on Wednesday night. They are currently being questioned. A senior police officer mentioned that investigators are probing whether others were involved in the incident. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing.
