Rajkot: Two Gaurakshaks were allegedly attacked with knives by a group of assailants in Panchnath Society near Limda Chowk while attempting to stop the illegal transportation of cattle for slaughter late on Saturday night. Police registered an FIR early Sunday in connection with the incident, in which one of the cow Gaurakshak sustained a knife injury and was admitted to Civil Hospital for treatment.

According to the complaint filed by Jayendrabhai alias Jackie Chandvaniya (31), a resident of the Adi Dam area and president of an NGO engaged in animal welfare and cow protection activities, the incident occurred on the night of January 3.

The complainant stated that he received specific information that a man identified as Wasim alias Vaslo Belim was transporting buffalo calves for slaughter in a green CNG passenger rickshaw (GJ-03-CT-6458) from the Sadar Bazaar area. Acting on the tip-off, Chandvaniya, along with fellow Gaurakshak Kishan Sharma, Meetbhai Goswami and Lalabhai Ramavat, kept watch on Panchnath Main Road around 8 pm.

When the suspected rickshaw was spotted near Panchnath Society, Street No. 16, the group attempted to stop it. However, the driver allegedly sped away, prompting a brief chase. The rickshaw was eventually intercepted after it collided with another vehicle. Upon inspection, the rear portion of the rickshaw, covered with blankets, was found to be carrying buffalo calves, following which the complainant asked one of his associates to record a video.

The rickshaw driver allegedly made phone calls to summon his associates. Soon thereafter, five persons, including Shabaz Belim and Abu alias Aftab Belim, arrived at the spot on two motorcycles. The accused allegedly abused and assaulted the Gaurakshaks. During the scuffle, Shabaz Belim allegedly stabbed Kishan Sharma on the right side of his waist with a knife.

The accused reportedly fled the scene along with the rickshaw carrying the animals. The injured Kishan Sharma was rushed to Civil Hospital in a 108 ambulance.

Police have registered a case against Wasim Belim, Shabaz Belim, Abu alias Aftab Belim and three unidentified persons under Sections 115(2), 118(1), 190, 189(2), 191(3) and 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 135(1) of the Gujarat Police Act. Further investigation is underway. DeshGujarat