Karnataka: Farmers Transporting Cows Harassed by Bajrang Dal

Bengaluru: Members of the Bajrang Dal harassed a group of farmers transporting cows in Karnataka’s Turuvekere. The vehicle belonged to farmers from Haveri who purchased the livestock at a cattle market in Jodugatte village. A mob of 10-12 men harassed the farmers and handed them over to the police, who arrested them. As per a report by Prajavani, the incident occurred on Monday, following which the farmers requested the intervention of the local MLA.

Janata Dal (Secular) JDS MLA MT Krishnappa reached the location and protested against the arrest of the farmers. He also demanded action against the policemen. Shortly after, the farmers and animals were released by the police. According to the report, the farmers travelled in rented vehicles and returned to their villages after purchasing the cattle. They had done so on previous occasions as well. But this time, they found themselves in jail. This incident shows the growing uncertainty caused by the cattle slaughter law introduced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 

The Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act 2020 came into force in February 2021. The act prohibits cattle transport for slaughter but does not prevent its transportation for agricultural use or animal husbandry. Conviction under this law would lead to three years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. The law also empowers the magistrate to seize any vehicle violating this law and to auction it.

Several Congress leaders have spoken out against this law and have promised a review. This includes CM Siddaramaiah and MLA Satish Jarkiholi. 

Violence in the name of cow

Earlier in March of this year, a cattle trader called Idrees Pasha was allegedly murdered by cow vigilantes in Sathanur village of Karnataka. On the night of March 31, a group of vigilantes stopped Pasha’s vehicle carrying 16 animals, including the prime accused in the murder, Puneeth Karehalli. Per a report by Bahutva Karnataka, Pasha produced documentation of his purchase. However, the mob demanded an extortion amount from Pasha and his associates. When they attempted to run away, they were chased and beaten. Idrees Pasha was found dead the following day. The report says a policeman noticed the assault and brought one of the vigilantes to the police station that night. However, he was allowed to make a Facebook live from inside the police station. All the accused are now out on bail.

In August 2022, a Dalit man named Manjunath was assaulted by Bajrang Dal members in Sakleshpur town because he refused to show the documentation for the cows he was transporting in his vehicle. Ambedkarite groups held a large-scale protest following this incident. These incidents point to the impunity enjoyed by individuals who wish to raise their political profile by resorting to violence against Muslims and Dalits. NewsClick has previously reported how the cattle slaughter ban adversely affects Muslims and farmers. Repealing this law would ease the burden on many communities.