Honour people who murdered cow killer, says Chhattisgarh Sanskrit Board chairman

Swami Parmatamanand is also heard questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement that killing people in the name of “gau bhakti (cow worship)” is unacceptable

Published on: Jul 10, 2017, 16:52:11 IST

Hindustan Times, Raipur | By Ritesh Mishra, Raipur

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People who killed the gau hathyara (cow killer) in Rajasthan should be honoured, Chhattisgarh’s Sanskrit Board chairman — a post deemed as equivalent to cabinet minister rank — has been heard saying in a video that has gone viral.

Swami Parmatamanand reportedly made the statement at an event titled Virat Hindu Sammelan. (Video screengrab)

Swami Parmatamanand reportedly made the statement at an event titled Virat Hindu Sammelan in Ambikapur district on Sunday, but he did not name Pehlu Khan, a dairy farmer who was assaulted in Alwar on April 1 and died two days later.

Parmatamanand could not be immediately reached for comment on his speech during which he is heard saying, “Mere Ved mein likha hai ki gau hatyare ko sheeshe ki goli se maaro... kshama na karo. Aur Rajasthan mein jisne uss gau hatyare ko mara, uska swagat karo Chhattisgarh mein bula ke (It is written in Vedas that those who kill cows should be killed. Those who killed the cow killer in Rajasthan should be invited to Chhattisgarh and honoured).”

He is also heard questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement that killing people in the name of “gau bhakti (cow worship)” is unacceptable.

The video of Swami Parmatamanand on social media

Parmatamanand is heard saying, “How can the prime minister say that gau rakhshaks are criminals? Kuch gau rakshak gunde ho sakte hain... par humare Bajrang Dal aur sabhi gau sewak gunde nahin hain (How can the prime minister say that cow protectors are criminals? It is possible that a few are goons... but our Bajrang Dal and all those who serve cows are not).”

He is also heard saying that English schools should be banned in the country. “Mein ek din ka pradhan mantri banta toh saare English schools band kara deta (I would close all English schools if made prime minister for a day).”

Incidentally, the state government is yet to notify cabinet minister rank for Parmatamanand. “He took charge as the Sanskrit Board chairman in May and the notification hasn’t come so far,” said a government official who did not want to be named.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More