Cow brutally slaughtered, its severed body dumped in river during the Hindu festival of Navratri by Muslim men in Madhya Pradesh
Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India 
26 September, 2025
Case Summary
In the Bichhiya police station area of Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, locals found the severed body parts of a cow in a river during the Hindu festival of Navratri, which is dedicated to honouring Goddess Durga. A Muslim man and his minor accomplice were detained by the police as suspects of the crime. According to media reports, the cow remains were discovered on 27th September 2025. Outraged locals placed the severed head of the cow on the road and held strong protests. Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) demanded stringent punishment for the culprits. Condemning the barbaric act, VHP member Balkrishna Dwivedi said, “Our religious sentiments are hurt. The administration should not neglect such incidents. If the accused are not caught soon, we will protest.” On the same day, the police registered an FIR under sections 196(2), 299, and 365 of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), section 11(1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and rule 6/9 of the Madhya Pradesh Govansh Vadh Pratishedh Rules, 2004. Chief Superintendent of Police, Rajiv Pathak, reviewed the situation and assured locals of strict and swift action. The police began examining CCTV footage to track down the culprits. SHO (Station House Officer) Bichhiya, Manidha Upadhyay, stated that the accused would be punished under the law and appealed to locals to cooperate with the police while maintaining peace. Soon after, two accused suspects, Mohammad Ismail and a minor, were detained in connection with the incident. Locals stated that suspicious individuals had been spotted in the area at night. Vishal Singh, a Hindu resident, said that this was not the first time such incidents had occurred in the region. He explained that despite earlier complaints, cow slaughter continued unchecked. Singh narrated the events of the night, the culprits slaughtered the cow at the riverbank, and although locals raised an alarm, the criminals fled before they could be caught. After informing the police, villagers searched the river and recovered the cow’s severed head, while the animal’s skin was found nearby. Singh further revealed that a gang of around 15–18 men operated in the area, targeting cows for slaughter and selling beef after killing them. He demanded the strictest possible action against the culprits, who he described as a menace to Hindu society and faith.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
In this case, it is important to highlight that the cow holds a sacred status in Hindu society. The slaughter of a cow is regarded not only as an act of cruelty but also as a direct attack on the Hindu faith and identity. The killing of cows has often been carried out by non-Hindu individuals, creating deep religious animosity and inflicting wounds on the sentiments of the Hindu community. Historically, cow slaughter has also been deliberately used as a tool to provoke, humiliate, weaken Hindus, and even to attempt forced conversions by compelling them to consume beef. This raises a strong suspicion that, since the suspects in this case are Muslims, the cow slaughter may have been intended to hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community, rooted in hostility towards Hinduism and Hindus. Another point to highlight is that the act occurred during the auspicious festival of Navratri, when Hindus were engaged in the worship of Goddess Durga. Committing such an act at this time indicates possible religious motivation behind the crime. Choosing Navratri for such brutality suggests deliberate targeting of Hindu sentiments. However, there is still no conclusive evidence to establish beyond doubt that the crime was driven by religious animosity rather than opportunism. While there is strong suspicion of religious hostility, further proof is required to state definitively that the offence was committed out of anti-Hindu sentiment. Accordingly, this case is currently being recorded in the 'Undecided' database. If further information emerges establishing religious motivations behind the crime, it will then be added to the Hate Crime database of the Hinduphobia Tracker.
Case Status
Arrested
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
From 2 To 5
Perpetrators Gender
male
Sources 
