Two cow smugglers involved in inter-district transportation of cows arrested
Basti, Uttar Pradesh, India 
13 February, 2025
Case Summary
Two inter-district cow smugglers were arrested by Basti police in Uttar Pradesh. The accused, identified as Salman and Tukullu alias Tikuli, were caught near Chhibra School on the Basti-Sant Kabir Nagar border on the night of February 14. The police intercepted the accused while they were transporting cows illegally in a truck. The arrest followed a tip-off, and the smugglers were found attempting to transport the cows across district borders, violating laws related to cow protection. The authorities have charged the suspects under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and other provisions concerning animal cruelty and illegal transportation.
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, 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 
