Bandh called in MP village against alleged cow slaughter

Majority of shops and markets remained closed at Para village of Jhabua district as cow vigilantes called a bandh on Monday to protest against alleged cow slaughter by two tribals and police inaction in the matter.

Majority of shops and markets remained closed at Para village of Jhabua district as cow vigilantes called a bandh on Monday to protest against alleged cow slaughter by two tribals and police inaction in the matter.

Complainant and cow owner Balu Mandoda of Ratimali village alleged that Nev Singh and Ratan from the same village stole his cow on the intervening night of August 18-19 and slaughtered it for consumption. “Ratan, a Dalit, then skinned my cow and buried it behind his hut,” said Mandoda.

However, police are investigating the case from all angles as no carcass has been recovered from the surrounding areas of the residence of Ratan, as claimed by Mandoda.

Valsingh Masaniya of Gau Raksha Samiti said, “After Mandoda reported the matter to Para police outpost, trio was arrested midnight on August 18 and put behind bars. But they were freed on August 19 after bribing police officials.”

On August 21, Mandoda again submitted his application to police demanding action in the matter but to no avail, added Masaniya.

Complainant Mandoda alleged that he had given all evidence to the police but no action has been taken so far. “ I am a poor tribal man who can’t afford cameras or cell phones. Or else, I would have also submitted photographic evidence against the three men, “ said Mandoda.

Jhabua Kotwali police station incharge RC Bhaskare said an FIR has been registered in the matter but the complainant’s claims are yet to be ascertained.