Nine Muslim butchers attacked four Hindu animal right activists in Bhavnagar on Thursday. The activists had rescued buffaloes meant for slaughter earlier on the same day.

Injured activists were taken to hospital in critical condition. Workers of Hindu organizations rushed to the District Superintendent of Police office and demanded stringent punishment to those responsible for the attack.

The animal right activists:Shah Brijesh Himmatlal, Kamdar Chirag Hasmukh, Naresh Vaghji Havani and another Haresh were attacked when they were sitting near Kumbharwada Gaushala. Muslim butchers arrived here in Indica car and bike. They attacked using steel pipe and wooden sticks. One Haresh fled from the place but other three were badly beaten in critical condition.

Two of the attackers Khatki Gafar Usman Kalva and Hanif alias Iso Usman Kalva were arrested by the police.

Local BJP, VHP and Jain Sangh leaders have demanded strict action against the attackers.