Cow smuggling by Muslim youths in Himachal exposed; sacred animals found dead in truck disguised as Army vehicle
Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India 
2 July, 2025
Case Summary
In Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, three Muslim youths illegally smuggled cows and were transporting them in a truck under the pretext of transporting goods for the Indian Army. According to news reports, the truck driven by the Muslim accused was stuck in a long traffic jam in Solang Valley, Manali, a tourist town in Kullu district. A strong stench emanated from the vehicle. When locals questioned about the smell, the Muslim truck driver stated that the vehicle contained goods for the Indian Army. However, the public grew suspicious. Upon removing the tarpaulin and inspecting the truck, the locals discovered nine cows inside the truck out of which two were dead. Following this, the local public immediately informed the police, who arrived at the scene and arrested the three individuals, including the driver. The arrested men were identified as 35-year-old Mohammad Masaan, 28-year-old Mohammad Rafi, and 23-year-old Mohammad Riyaz. All three of the accused were originally residents of Jammu and Kashmir. DSP Manali, KD Sharma, confirmed that after a foul smell was detected from the truck in Solang Nala, the Muslim driver had claimed that they were carrying Indian Army goods. Upon searching the vehicle, cow smuggling was uncovered. The police registered a case against the three accused under sections of the Animal Cruelty Act. The local community expressed anger, and the former minister and BJP state vice-president, Govind Thakur, also demanded strict action, stating that many similar cases had been exposed before, but the government had failed to take any concrete action.
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 by non-Hindus, in this case, Muslims, 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.
Case Status
Arrested
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
From 2 To 5
Perpetrators Gender
male
Sources 
