BJP MLC Sadabhau Khot has alleged that farmers in Maharashtra are being harassed by cow vigilante groups and threatened to launch protests if the government fails to act. However, his party colleague and state minister Nitesh Rane urged him to show restraint while criticising vigilantes, saying they are associated with cow protection.

Khot, who heads the Rayat Kranti Sanghatana, claimed he was heckled by vigilantes in Fursungi near Pune on Monday afternoon, though he escaped unharmed. He accused the groups of extortion and harassment, saying they routinely seize livestock from farmers and demand bribes for their release.

“Under the guise of cow protection, a large lobby is operating in the state. They even have corporate offices. Farmers are suffering because of them. If the government fails to act, we will set up cattle camps in front of police stations,” Khot said in Pune.

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Rane, responding to the remarks, appealed for caution: “Sadabhau Khot should tone down his language while speaking against cow vigilantes because they are engaged in protecting cows. He should not make statements that could be seen as insulting the Hindu community.”

Khot further alleged that buffaloes belonging to farmers in Fursungi went missing from a cowshed after being forcibly taken away two months ago. Farmers had to approach the court to secure release orders, but by then the animals were allegedly untraceable. “The vigilantes gave evasive replies, claiming the buffaloes had strayed into hills,” he said.

The legislator also alleged that some vigilante groups operate in luxury cars, targeting farmers transporting cattle to markets. “They are not honest. They harass farmers, beat them up, and indulge in extortion. If farmers don’t bribe them, cattle are seized and shifted to shelters, where they are later sold off,” Khot charged at a rally in Sangola, Solapur district last week.

According to him, inconsistencies in official records at cowsheds suggest “influential backing” for the vigilantes. He demanded strict government action. “Agriculture is already a loss-making business. Now farmers face additional harassment. If vigilantes are so concerned about cows, they should work in our cattle shelters—we will pay them salaries,” Khot added.

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