Ghazanfar Abbas, IndiaTomorrow.net,
New Delhi/Jaipur, Nov 14: Investigating the killing of dairy farmer Umar Khan allegedly by gau-rakshaks (cow vigilantes) in Rajasthan’s Alwar on suspicion of smuggling cows, the police have arrested two accused and the search for others involved in the crime is going on. The two accused have been identified as Ramveer Gurjar and Bhagwan Gurjar.
Reportedly, on Friday (Nov 10) early morning, Umar Khan, 35, along with two of his aides Tahir Khan, 42 and Javed Khan 28, were allegedly attacked by some 7-8 gau-rakshaks armed with guns near Fahari village in Gobindgarh. All three were allegedly stopped and attacked when they were transporting cows and calves in a pick-up truck for dairy farming from Mewat in Haryana to Bharatpur in the state.
Umar died on the spot in the firing while the other sustained bullet injuries. Tahir Khan managed to flee the while Javed Khan is still missing. Tahir’s condition is serious and is still hospitalized.
The police found dismembered body of Umar on the railway tracks reportedly about 15 kilometers from the truck. All three victims hail from Ghatmika village of Bharatpur and belong to Meo community.
Two FIRs registered
First FIR was lodged by Rajasthan Police under “The Rajasthan Bovine Animal (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act, against Umar and his fellow travelers allegedly for cow smuggling on Friday. But a second FIR was lodged on Sunday under IPC section 302 (murder), section 307 (attempt to murder), 201 (causing the disappearance of evidence of offense or giving false information to screen offender) following a complaint by Umar’s family members.
Family refuses to accept Umar Khan’s body, demands arrest of all culprits
Umar’s family and Alwar’s Meo community strongly believe that this was nothing but a case of cow vigilantism and alleged that Umar’s body was thrown on the railway track to show it as an accident. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Police hinted the incident to be a case of robbery.
“Umar who was the sole bread earner of the family left behind three daughters and five sons. He was mercilessly killed and his face was dismembered. We want justice,” Iliyas, uncle of Umar said.
Umar’s family has also demanded a compensation of Rs 50 lakh and job for one of the deceased’s children.
Social activists demand justice
On Monday various social activists including the family members, relatives of Umar protested against his killing at the Gandhi Circle in Jaipur. The family members various social organizations including Rajasthan Muslim forum, MKSS, PUCL, AIDWA, JIH, and Nagirk Manch submitted a memorandum to state’s Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje demanding the arrest all culprits and withdrawal of cow smuggling case against Umar and his aide and also legitimate compensation to Umar’s family and other victims immediately.
The family has not allowed for post-mortem and refused to take body of the deceased till all accused are arrested. The body has now been shifted to the Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur from Alwar mortuary.
On Tuesday a delegation comprising of representatives from various socio-religious groups also met Chief secretary Ashok Jain, demanding the arrest of all the accused, suspension of SHO of the area and legitimate compensations. All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has also strongly criticized Kahn’s killing and demanded stringent punishment to the guilty.
