Cow Vigilantes Torch Cattle Truck in Odisha
Mob sets vehicle ablaze, sparking panic on highway.
A mob of self-styled 'gau rakshaks' (cow vigilantes) intercepted a vehicle carrying approximately 12 cows on National Highway 16 in Odisha’s Bhadrak district on Thursday, releasing the animals before vandalizing and setting the truck ablaze. The incident, which occurred near Nalanga petrol pump, caused widespread panic among commuters on the busy highway, disrupting traffic for hours.
According to Bhadrak Rural police station’s Inspector-in-Charge, Dayanidhi Das, the vehicle was transporting cows from Panikoili in Jajpur district when it was stopped by the vigilantes. After freeing the cattle, the mob damaged the truck and set it on fire, leaving it completely gutted despite efforts by fire service personnel to extinguish the flames. The driver reportedly fled the scene during the chaos.
Police restored order, and the 12 rescued cows were handed over to a local gosala (cow shelter) in Bhadrak. Das confirmed that an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend those responsible, emphasizing that the situation is now under control.
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Aprubar Ranjan Behera, president of Bhadrak’s 'Go Rakshya Samiti,' defended the vigilantes’ actions, alleging rampant cattle smuggling in the district. He claimed that nearly 2,000 cattle had been rescued in the past four months and accused the police of delayed responses, arriving only after vigilantes intervene. Behera also referenced the killing of a group member, Santosh Rahul, by suspected cattle smugglers two months ago, highlighting the escalating tensions.
The incident has reignited debates over cow vigilantism, with critics arguing it fuels lawlessness, while supporters claim it addresses unchecked cattle smuggling. Authorities are bracing for potential further unrest as the investigation continues.
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