Udupi: Mob kills BJP worker to protect cows

 

As many as 35 people, effused with the spirit of Gau Rakshan, attacked Praveen Poojari, 29, on August 18 in Hebri, Udupi, allegedly because he was transporting two cows in a tempo.

 

Poojari was killed in the attack. Sources indicate that he was a BJP worker.

 

Akshay Devadiga, who was accompanying Praveen, was severely injured and is being treated at a nearby hospital.

 

Though the Hindu Jagaran Vedike has denied all involvement in the murder, 17 members of the Vedike have been arrested.

 

The case has been handed over to Brahmavar police for investigation.

 

Despite the arrests, speaking to Suvarna News, the president of the Hindu Jagaran Vedike, Jagadish Karanth, has denied any involvement in the killing.

 

"If any of our members are involved, we will take necessary action," he said.

 

“If district administration had taken action against transporting of cows, these kinds of incidents wouldn’t have happened. It is not right to drag the Vedike into this matter,” he said.

 

“Stay loyal to the protection of cows. If anyone is found illegally transporting cows, do hand them over to the district administration,” he added.

 

Speaking to NDTV, Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara said that the attack appeared to be the result of a rivalry between cattle traders. Further investigations are ongoing. 

 

It would seem like PM Narendra Modi’s denouncement of cow protection vigilantes has not had much effect.