UP: Cow slaughter rumours spark arson in Mainpuri’s Karhal

Rumours of cow slaughter led to violence in Karhal town of Mainpuri on Friday. Police had to resort to firing to control the mob that went on a rampage, burning vehicles and shops, after rumours that two butchers had been spotted slaughtering a cow spread like wildfire in the region.

Rumours of cow slaughter led to violence in Karhal town of Mainpuri on Friday. Police had to resort to firing to control the mob that went on a rampage, burning vehicles and shops, after rumours that two butchers had been spotted slaughtering a cow spread like wildfire in the region.

It actually turned out that the cow had died a day earlier and the butchers, who had the licence of removing the skin of the dead cattle, were merely doing their job. (PTI File Photo)

The villagers reportedly caught hold of the butchers — Lalla and Shafiq — and physically assaulted them before police arrived.

As police tried to take away the duo, villagers tried to stop the police jeep and drag the two out. The police jeep was also targeted, said reports. Police control room was informed and additional force were sent in.

Markets were shut down within minutes and stones were allegedly pelted at police.

As some vehicles, including a tempo loader and motorcycle, were put on fire by the unruly mob, police resorted to firing to control the situation.

DIG Agra range Laxmi Singh, who reached the spot, convinced the mob that it was not a case of cowslaughter.

It actually turned out that the cow had died a day earlier and the butchers, who had the licence of removing the skin of the dead cattle, were merely doing their job.

As police tried to take away the duo, villagers tried to stop the police jeep and drag the two out. The police jeep was also targeted, said reports. Police control room was informed and additional force were sent in.

Markets were shut down within minutes and stones were allegedly pelted at police.

As some vehicles, including a tempo loader and motorcycle, were put on fire by the unruly mob, police resorted to firing to control the situation.

DIG Agra range Laxmi Singh, who reached the spot, convinced the mob that it was not a case of cow slaughter.

It actually turned out that the cow had died a day earlier and the butchers, who had the licence of removing the skin of the dead cattle, were merely doing their job.