Two Muslim men lynched by cow vigilantes in India

Two Muslim men who were transporting buffaloes by truck were attacked and beaten to death by cow vigilantes in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur district, India. 

The victims had purchased buffaloes in a village near Mahasamund and were transporting them by truck to Odisha.

Authorities identified the deceased as Chand Miya and Guddu Khan. Police are attempting to get a statement from the injured survivor, Saddam Qureshi. 

According to locals, a group of people intercepted the truck, beat the Muslim men, and then threw two of them off the Mahanadi bridge.

The cause of death for the victims remains undetermined until the police receive the post-mortem reports.

“They fell off the bridge from a height of around 30 feet and landed on stones. For us, it’s difficult to identify whether all injuries were caused by the fall or some were inflicted before falling. Only doctors can clarify how the injuries were caused,” the local police said.

According to Indian media, the Muslim truck drivers had informed police they were being followed. 

Upon arrival at the scene, officers found one man dead, another injured, and the third succumbed to his injuries during transport to the hospital.

The attack occurred around 2:00 am early Friday. Police are reviewing CCTV footage along the route, but have not yet determined if it was a case of mob violence. 

Their investigation is focused on identifying the individuals who were following the truck, as per reports.

“A vehicle was found on the bridge with cattle. The post-mortem report of the two men is awaited. We are checking CCTV footage along the route. Till now, we have no evidence to say it’s a case of mob lynching. Efforts are being made to identify those who chased the trio,” a police official stated.