Two Muslim cow smugglers arrested by Udupi police; habitual offenders involved in cow slaughter and other serious crimes
Udupi, Karnataka, India 
18 July, 2025
Case Summary
In Udupi, the police arrested two habitual Muslim offenders in connection with a cow theft case reported from Hardalli Mandalli village in Kundapur. The operation was led by Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, with Sub-Inspector Raghavendra C and his team playing a key role in apprehending the culprits. The arrested individuals were identified as Imran alias Kuttu, aged 31, a resident of Pudu in Bantwal taluk, and Irshad, aged 30, a resident of Ganjimutt. Both have a long criminal history. Imran is involved in 35 cases across Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Hassan districts, and Mangaluru city. His past offences include theft, cow slaughter, unlawful assembly, rioting, attempt to murder, and violations under the Arms Act. Irshad has 14 cases registered against him, including cow slaughter, theft, violations of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Arms Act, attempt to murder, and dacoity across Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru districts, as well as within Mangaluru city limits. The complainant, Jayaprakash Shetty, aged 48 and a resident of Hardalli Mandalli village, received a video on his mobile phone while attending a grama sabha meeting on Saturday. The footage revealed that at 3:50 AM the same day, three masked individuals arrived from the Hunsemakki side in a four-wheeler. Near the Bidkalakatte market area, they exited the vehicle, restrained a cow that was lying by the roadside, tied it with a rope, and brutally dragged it into their vehicle before fleeing the scene. Following this revelation, a case was registered at the Kota Police Station. Based on the investigation, the police team tracked down the accused and seized the vehicle used in the crime.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
The cow is considered sacred in the Hindu religion. Often, cows are slaughtered and smuggled illegally by non-Hindu perpetrators as a mark of insult to the Hindu faith. There have been several documented cases throughout history where cow slaughter and smuggling are used as a method to insult the Hindu faith, convert Hindus (by force-feeding beef) and desecrate temples. In all cases of cow slaughter or smuggling, 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, then it would be reclassified under the Hate Crime database. Disclaimer: The news report mentions that three individuals were involved in the incident. However, only two perpetrators—both habitual offenders—have been named in the report. The identity of the third perpetrator is unknown. Hence, the perpetrator count has been recorded as two.
Case Status
Case sub-judice
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
From 2 To 5
Perpetrators Gender
male
Sources 
