Members of Hindu organisations attacked while trying to stop cow smuggling in Madhya Pradesh
Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, India 
30 May, 2025
Case Summary
In Kirnapur, in the Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh, workers from Hindu organisations attempting to prevent cow smuggling were brutally attacked by unidentified smugglers. The assault was severe, resulting in serious injuries to five members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. According to reports, Rohit Pichode, a Hindu activist, along with his colleagues, went to Bhalwa after receiving information about cattle smuggling. Near the fields by a pond, they managed to free around 40 cattle and were in the process of taking them away when a group attacked them with iron pipes and knives. Five members of the VHP and Bajrang Dal were injured during the attack. Rohit, in particular, was severely injured. He suffered injuries to his head, back and legs. The injured workers were taken to the Kirnapur hospital for treatment. The local MLA, Rajkumar Karrahe, visited the hospital to meet the injured. In a video uploaded by Dainik Bhaskar in their report, Rohit stated that fifteen people attacked them. The attackers also vandalised the vehicles belonging to the Hindu organisations during the confrontation. Rohit subsequently went to the police station to file a formal complaint regarding the incident. The police registered a case in this matter. The Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP), Omprakash, stated that an investigation had begun in this case. The report mentioned that it is yet to be clarified whether cattle were being smuggled or the individuals were cattle rearers. Meanwhile, VHP vice-president Chander Damahe warned that if the police do not take appropriate action, the organisation will launch protests, first at the block level and then at the district level.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
The cow is considered sacred in the Hindu religion. Often, cows are slaughtered by non-Hindu perpetrators as a mark of insult to the Hindu faith. There have been several documented cases throughout history where cow slaughter is used as a method to insult the Hindu faith, convert Hindus (by force-feeding beef), and desecrate temples. In all cases of cow slaughter, there is a suspicion of religious animosity against Hindus working as a motivating factor, however, in the absence of any concrete indication, this case is being categorised as Undecided. If more details emerge, it would be added to the Hate Crime Database. Additionally, the attack on Hindu activists attempting to prevent cattle smuggling is also being classified as Undecided. While the victims were members of Hindu organisations involved in gau raksha (cow protection), and there is a historical context of religious tensions associated with cattle smuggling and slaughter, the current available information does not confirm a clear religious motive behind the violence. The identities and affiliations of the attackers remain officially unverified, and the motive appears to be related—at least in part—to the interception of illegal activity rather than explicit religious hatred. Therefore, pending further investigation or official confirmation of a communal motive, the attack is being categorised as Undecided.
Victim Details
Total Victim
5
Deceased
0
Gender
- Male 5
- Female 0
- Third Gender 0
- Unknown 0
Caste
- SC/ST 0
- OBC 0
- General 0
- Unknown 5
Age Group
- Minor 0
- Adult 0
- Senior Citizen 0
- Unknown 5
Case Status
Complaint filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Unknown
Perpetrators Range
From 10 to 100
Perpetrators Gender
male
Sources 
