Cows being illegally smuggled in Uttar Pradesh by Muslim man and his accomplice
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India 
16 May, 2025
Case Summary
At the Purvanchal Expressway toll, under the jurisdiction of the Gosaiganj police station in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, a group of approximately 20 cows was reportedly being illegally transported by a Muslim man named Shoaib and his two accomplices. Upon receiving information about the incident, police officers arrived at the scene and discovered around 20 cows in a 12-tyre lorry near the Purvanchal Expressway toll plaza. The suspects attempted to escape in a car. When the police tried to intercept them, one of the accused allegedly opened fire. In response, the police also fired at the suspects, resulting in one of the accused, identified as Shoaib, sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg. Shoaib was apprehended while his two accomplices managed to flee the scene. According to DCP South, Nipun Agarwal, Shoaib had eight previous FIRs registered against him. He added that further investigation is ongoing, and additional details will be released in due course.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
The cow is considered sacred in the Hindu religion. Often, cows are smuggled and slaughtered by non-Hindu perpetrators as a mark of insult to the Hindu faith. There have been several documented cases throughout history where cow smuggling and slaughtering are used as a method to insult the Hindu faith, convert Hindus (by force-feeding beef) and desecrate temples. In all cases of cow smuggling or 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 will be added to the Hate Crime Database.
Case Status
Case sub-judice
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
From 2 To 5
Perpetrators Gender
male
Sources 
