Cow slaughtered by Muslims during holy month of Sawan in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh
Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, India 
19 July, 2025
Case Summary
In Puranpur, Pilibhit district, a cow was slaughtered during the month of Sawan, a sacred time for Hindu devotees of Lord Shiva, by two Muslim men and a Muslim woman. According to reports, the incident came to light when remains of a slaughtered cow were discovered in the field near the forest, prompting the members of a Hindu organisation to reach the site. They expressed strong displeasure over the slaughter during the holy month of Sawan. Sawan is a month of deep religious significance for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Following this, the police promptly arrived at the spot and initiated further legal action. A case was registered, and a search operation was launched to nab the accused. The investigation led to the arrest of two Muslim men, Zafar, Afzal, and a Muslim woman named Arif alias Bhandu, who also confessed to their crimes. Police also recovered tools and materials used in the slaughter. It was revealed that Zafar had 15 criminal cases registered against him across Puranpur, Diuria, Madhotanda, and Gajraula police stations, including various offences besides animal cruelty. Afzal had eight cases to his name, while Arif alias Bhandu, daughter of Ali Mohammad, had six prior criminal cases. All three accused were sent to jail.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
The cow is considered sacred in the Hindu religion. Frequently, cows are slaughtered and smuggled illegally by non-Hindu perpetrators as an act intended to insult the Hindu faith. There have been numerous documented instances throughout history where cow slaughter and smuggling have been used as deliberate means to offend Hindu beliefs, forcibly convert Hindus (by force-feeding beef), and desecrate temples. In all such cases, there is strong suspicion that religious animosity towards Hindus serves as a motivating factor. In this particular case, the cow was slaughtered by Muslim perpetrators during the holy month of Sawan, which raises the question of whether the act was motivated by religious animosity. However, it is also entirely possible that the timing was a coincidence and not a deliberate act to coincide with the sacred month. Since there is no concrete evidence indicating a religious motive, this case is currently being categorised under the Undecided database. If any further details emerge that indicate the crime to be religiously motivated, then it will be added to the Hate Crime database.
Case Status
Arrested
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
From 2 To 5
Perpetrators Gender
both
Sources 
