Salim, Asif and 3 others among 10 accused arrested for attack on Gaurakshak in Nanded
Nanded, Maharashtra, India 
28 June, 2023
Case Summary
In Nanded, Maharashtra, 5 out of 10 identified accused individuals were arrested by the police following an attack on a gaurakshak (cow vigilante) named Pradyumn Chaudhari, also known as Sonu. The incident occurred on June 29, 2023 around 6:30 pm when Sonu attempted to stop the sacrifice of bulls on Bakrid and was brutally attacked by around 10 people wielding iron rods and sharp weapons. The attackers, identified as Salim Qureshi, Babu Thekedar, Asif Hasan, Salim Autowala, and Anis, also threatened Sonu. According to Nanded Police SP Shreekrishna Kokate, Sonu, associated with a Hindu organisation and working as a cow vigilante, confronted a person named Sanjay Gaikwad transporting bulls. Sonu asked for documents to determine the bulls' ownership, leading to a call from Gaikwad to Salim Qureshi, who called others from his community. The group, led by Qureshi, attacked Sonu, who sustained serious head injuries. Two of Sonu's friends had left to call the police, but the accused fled before their arrival. Sonu was hospitalised and is now out of danger. VHP leader Sriraj Nair commented on the recurring attacks on Hindu activists in Nanded who protect cows. He called for serious government action against those involved in attacks on cow vigilantes, expressing concern about continuous smuggling from Nanded to Telangana.
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. Those who work towards the protection of the cow are also often attacked brutally by Muslim radicals. In all cases of cow slaughter and/or attack against those who work towards the protection of the cow, 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 categorized as 'undecided'. If more details emerge, it would be added to the hate crime database.
Victim Details
Total Victim
1
Deceased
0
Gender
- Male 1
- Female 0
- Third Gender 0
- Unknown 0
Caste
- SC/ST 0
- OBC 0
- General 0
- Unknown 1
Age Group
- Minor 0
- Adult 1
- Senior Citizen 0
- Unknown 0
Case Status
Arrested
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
From 5 to 10
Sources 
