Charkhi Dadri, Haryana: In a deeply troubling incident, a migrant laborer from West Bengal, Sabir Malik, was brutally beaten to death by a group of cow vigilantes in Haryana’s Charkhi Dadri district on August 27. The group allegedly attacked Malik on the suspicion that he had consumed beef, a violation of the strict cow protection laws in the state.
The lynching has sparked outrage across the nation, with many criticizing the government’s response to such vigilante violence. However, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini downplayed the severity of the incident, arguing that the term “mob lynching” does not accurately describe the situation. He defended the state’s stringent cow protection laws, stating, “It is not right to say things like mob lynching, because a strict law has been made in the Assembly for cow protection and there is no compromise on it.”
Saini further added, “Villagers have so much respect for cows that if they are informed about such things, then who can stop them? I want to say that such incidents should not happen, and these incidents are unfortunate.” His comments have drawn widespread criticism, with many accusing the government of enabling such violence by justifying the actions of cow vigilantes.
The Incident
Sabir Malik, who worked as a scrap dealer near Bandhra village, was reportedly lured to a shop under the pretense of selling empty plastic bottles. Once there, he was attacked by a group of individuals—Abhishek, Mohit, Ravinder, Kamaljit, and Sahil—along with two juveniles. The group suspected Malik of consuming beef, which is a serious offense under Haryana’s cow protection laws.
According to the police, Malik was initially assaulted at the shop. After bystanders intervened, the attackers took him to a different location and continued the assault, which eventually led to his death.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Dheeraj Kumar confirmed that a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered and that all seven accused, including the two juveniles, have been arrested and are currently in police remand. “Police are working on the case actively, and the accused are being questioned,” DSP Kumar said.
The incident has once again highlighted the issue of mob violence and the increasing influence of cow vigilante groups in certain parts of India. The incident has drawn parallels to previous cases of lynching in the country, raising concerns about the rule of law and the protection of minority communities.
National Outrage and Government Response
The lynching has sparked national outrage, with human rights organizations, political leaders, and civil society condemning the attack and the government’s response. Many have called for stricter action against cow vigilantes and greater protection for vulnerable communities.
Chief Minister Saini’s remarks have further fueled the controversy, with critics arguing that his comments effectively condone the actions of the vigilante group. The incident has also put a spotlight on Haryana’s cow protection laws, with some calling for a review of the legislation to prevent its misuse.
As investigations continue, the family of Sabir Malik is demanding justice, and the case is expected to draw significant attention in the coming days.
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