Cow slaughter racket exposed in Gurdaspur; Muslim accused escape during police raid
Gurdaspur, Punjab, India 
16 March, 2025
Case Summary
A long-running illegal cow slaughter racket operating under the guise of a Hadda Rodi (facility for skinning dead animals) was exposed in Gurdaspur, Punjab. The operation was uncovered by the Sanatan Kranti Dal, led by Shiv Sena Bala Saheb Thackeray's state deputy chief, Harvinder Soni. The racket involved individuals from outside the area, of the Muslim community, who transported live cows to the slaughterhouse in Ranjit Bagh village and sold their meat for profit. The accused cow slaughterers, including Vijay Masih, Amanat Masih, Danish Masih, and Rajan Masih, were involved in the illegal activity, causing outrage among the Hindu community, for whom the cow is a sacred animal. Law enforcement officials, acting on intelligence received by SSP Gurdaspur, launched a raid at the slaughterhouse on 17 March, 2025, at around 8:30 AM. However, the suspects, including individuals identifiable as immigrant Muslims by their attire, fled through a back exit towards the railway line upon spotting the police. Their sudden escape reinforced suspicions that they were engaged in illegal cow slaughter. Upon investigation, authorities discovered 9 live cows, confirming that 10 cows had already been slaughtered before the raid. Evidence such as freshly skinned cow heads, chopped legs, fresh blood, and flesh remains was found at the site, indicating recent slaughter. Law enforcement also seized two Mahindra vehicles suspected to have been used for meat transportation, as well as sharp-edged weapons, which appeared to have been washed hastily before the raid. The administration only permits the skinning of naturally deceased animals in such facilities, but the presence of fresh blood and severed heads contradicted any legal activity. Police took all recovered evidence into custody for forensic investigation. It was also noted that this same slaughterhouse had been previously sealed for illegal cow slaughter after a similar case was registered years ago. The Sanatan Kranti Dal demanded strict legal action against the accused who managed to escape. They called for cases to be registered under cow slaughter laws, religious offense sections, and violation of government regulations. Furthermore, Sanatan Kranti Dal leaders warned political figures, local officials (Sarpanches, MCs), and police officers against supporting cow slaughterers or drug smugglers.
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
Complaint registered
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
From 2 To 5
Perpetrators Gender
male
Sources 
