Surat: A violent incident has come to light in which a mob of around 50 people allegedly attacked police personnel and Gau Rakshaks who had gone to prevent suspected cow slaughter in Hathoda village of Mangrol taluka. A police constable and a Gau Rakshak sustained serious injuries in the attack.

Acting on information about suspected cow slaughter in Hathoda village near Kosamba, six personnel from the Kosamba police station, accompanied by Gau Rakshaks, reached the spot between 1:30 am and 2:00 am last night to verify the inputs.

According to police sources, while the team was conducting a search using torchlights, six persons on two motorcycles allegedly confronted them and picked a quarrel. The accused reportedly made phone calls, following which a mob of nearly 50 people gathered at the spot. The mob allegedly surrounded the police personnel and Gau Rakshaks and attacked them with sharp weapons and stones.

Condition of the Injured

In the attack, Gau Rakshak Satyaprakash Yadav sustained serious sword injuries to his head and required 15 to 20 stitches. He was immediately shifted to New Civil Hospital in Surat for treatment.

A police constable reportedly suffered a fractured hand, while other injured personnel are undergoing treatment at Kim–Kosamba Hospital.

Police Action

Taking serious note of the incident, Surat District Superintendent of Police Rajesh Gadhia has ordered strict action.

Combing Operation: Led by DySP B.K. Vanar, a total of 15 police teams, including seven Police Inspectors (PIs) and 15 Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs), have been deployed in Hathoda village to trace the accused.

Detentions: So far, around 25 suspects have been detained for questioning.

FIR Registered: Based on the complaint filed by the injured policeman, an FIR has been registered under sections pertaining to attempt to murder, rioting, unlawful assembly, and obstruction of a public servant in the discharge of duty. Police said further action will be taken after collecting evidence, including forensic examination where required.

Reaction from Gau Rakshak Groups

Following the incident, members of Gau Rakshak groups and representatives of Bajrang Dal expressed anger over the situation. Gau Rakshaks alleged that incidents of cow slaughter occur frequently in certain sensitive villages in the area and claimed that police action has not been sufficiently stringent.

They questioned why the accused appear unafraid of law enforcement despite the presence of armed police personnel. DeshGujarat