Gau Rakshaks – a group of self-proclaimed protector of cows – have been wreaking havoc across the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Haryana and Rajasthan. So far, 69 people have been killed since 2015 in mob violence either in the name of cow or on the rumour of being a child lifter.
The killing spree by frenzied mob started from September, 2015 when Mohammad Akhlaq, a resident of Dadri in Uttar Pradesh, was lynched to death over an allegation that he had consumed and stored beef. Haryana's Kol Gaon resident Rakbar Khan is the latest victim of the mob violence.
As fear grips both Muslim and Dalit communities, it has taken a toll on their source of sustenance.
Newsclick spoke to ‘gau rakshaks’ of Mewat region, Haryana, and found out that educated and well-to-do young men are increasingly taking up the task for the love of cows, or so they claim.
Take a look to understand their modus operandi and impunity they enjoy.