A severed cow head was found in a field behind BRB School in Kunwargaon, Badaun, sparking tension in the area. Upon receiving the news, over 100 members from Hindu organisations took to the streets. They carried the cow’s head on their shoulders and staged a march before blocking the Bareilly Highway in protest.
Clash Between Police and Protesters
Police arrived at the scene shortly after being informed and tried to seize the severed head, which led to an argument with the protesters. The situation remained tense for about one and a half to two hours before the demonstrators calmed down. Protesters raised slogans against the police, accusing them of negligence and delayed response.
Heavy Security on the Highway
Due to the escalating protest, police forces from four stations and a company of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) were deployed, turning the area into a virtual cantonment. After negotiations, the protest, which lasted about one and a half hours, was called off. Later in the evening, the cow remains were buried with religious rituals along the Bareilly Highway.
Three Arrested After Police Encounter
Around ten hours later, at 1:30 a.m., police arrested three accused in an encounter. The suspects were identified as Aslam, Mujahid, and Shahrukh, all residents of the Kunwargaon area. Two of them sustained bullet injuries in the legs and were admitted to the district hospital.
Rising Incidents of Cow Slaughter
According to Hindu leader Vikendra Sharma, similar incidents of cow remains being found had occurred earlier in October. Complaints were made to the police, yet no effective action was taken. He alleged that police were indirectly shielding the culprits. A month earlier, several cow carcasses were also recovered in the Sahaswan area, after which an accused named Bahare Alam was arrested following an encounter.
The discovery of a severed cow head in Badaun triggered communal tension and led to massive protests by Hindu organisations. Police managed to bring the situation under control through heavy deployment, but the recurring incidents of cow slaughter remain a serious concern. People are demanding swift and strict action against those involved.
