Nuh, June 15, 2024 — In a brazen attack on Saturday morning, a cow vigilante named Sonu Sarpanch from Rewari district was allegedly shot by cattle smugglers near Mahu-Chopta village in Nuh district, Haryana. The incident, which unfolded on the Delhi-Mumbai expressway, has raised concerns about the safety of vigilantes operating in the region.
The Incident
The Superintendent of Police in Nuh, Narendra Bijarnia, reported that the incident occurred around 4:45 AM when Sonu and six other cow vigilantes were in pursuit of a vehicle suspected of smuggling cattle. The chase led to the smugglers’ pick-up jeep overturning near Mahu-Chopta village, prompting the occupants to attempt an escape on foot.
During the ensuing confrontation, one of the smugglers was apprehended by the vigilantes. However, as Sonu Sarpanch closed in on another smuggler, the remaining suspects opened fire, striking Sonu in the stomach and leaving him critically injured.
Immediate Medical Response
Sonu was initially taken to a private hospital in Faridabad for emergency treatment. Given the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to Medanta Medicity in Gurugram for advanced medical care. The incident has left Sonu in a critical condition, and his recovery is being closely monitored by medical professionals.
Official Response and Investigation
Superintendent Bijarnia confirmed that an FIR would be registered based on the complaint received. The police are actively investigating the case to apprehend the smugglers involved in the attack. “We are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety of those who work to protect cattle,” Bijarnia stated.
Reactions from Cow Vigilantes and Community Leaders
The shooting has sparked a significant reaction from the cow vigilante community. Many gathered outside Medanta hospital, expressing their anger and demanding enhanced protection measures for vigilantes. Chaman Khatana, a fellow cow vigilante who was present during the incident, recounted the harrowing events leading to Sonu’s injury.
Kulbhushan Bhardwaj, a prominent leader of a Hindu outfit, called for the provision of licensed weapons to cow vigilantes, arguing that they need adequate protection while performing their duties. “The safety of cow vigilantes is paramount. We demand the government to provide licensed firearms to ensure their protection against such violent attacks,” Bhardwaj urged.
Broader Implications
The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between cow vigilantes and cattle smugglers in the region. It also highlights the risks faced by individuals involved in vigilante activities, raising questions about the adequacy of current protective measures.
As the investigation continues, authorities are under pressure to address the concerns of the vigilante community and implement strategies to prevent such incidents in the future. The broader debate on cow protection laws and the role of vigilantes in enforcing these laws is likely to gain renewed attention in the wake of this attack.
Stay tuned to Sarhind Times for further updates on this developing story and other news.
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