They made video while beating us: Before succumbing to injuries, Bhopal man ‘assaulted by cow vigilantes’ recalled ordeal
In the early hours of June 6, two men—Junaid Khan and Arman—were returning to Bhopal after unloading vegetables in Dhanaura village. On a remote stretch near Vidisha, a group of 15 men stopped their vehicle, suspecting them of smuggling cattle.
Without warning, the mob dragged them out and launched a violent assault. They beat Junaid and Arman using sticks and rods, filmed the entire attack, and shouted communal slurs. Junaid later recalled, “They made a video while beating us.”
The Attack Goes Viral
The video, which quickly spread across social media, showed Junaid and Arman pleading for mercy while the attackers laughed and continued to hit them. Public anger grew as more users shared the footage and demanded arrests.
Outraged citizens tagged local authorities and police, urging them to take action against the mob. The visibility of the video forced officials to act swiftly.
Arrests and Police Response
Police arrested three of the attackers, including Dhruv Chaturvedi, a known repeat offender in similar cases. Officers are now using mobile data and video evidence to track down the rest of the group. Chaturvedi’s prior involvement in cow vigilantism dates back to 2022, according to police reports.
The Bhopal Police confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated under charges including murder, assault, and promoting enmity.
A Family Shattered
Junaid succumbed to his injuries on June 17 at Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal. He had sustained multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and head trauma. Doctors say he was unconscious for most of his hospital stay.
His family remains inconsolable. Junaid, who worked as a welder and porter, was the sole breadwinner. “He wasn’t transporting cows,” his brother said. “He went to help unload tomatoes. Now he’s gone forever.”
Vigilantism and Hate Crimes
This incident isn’t isolated. Over the past decade, India has seen a sharp rise in mob violence carried out in the name of cow protection. Victims are often members of religious minority groups and those working in the cattle trade.
Despite Supreme Court guidelines urging states to combat mob lynching, enforcement remains weak in many regions. Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned about the dangers of unchecked vigilante groups.
Demand for Justice
Activists, civil society members, and opposition leaders are now demanding swift legal action. Several protests have erupted across Madhya Pradesh, with demonstrators holding placards reading “Justice for Junaid.”
Legal experts are calling for stronger anti-lynching legislation and accountability from police and local leaders. “These are not protectors—they’re criminals abusing religion for violence,” said Rashmi Tiwari, a legal advocate in Indore.
What’s Next?
Arman remains in hospital but is expected to recover. Police continue to pursue other suspects using digital tools and tip-offs from the public.
The state government has offered ₹10 lakh in compensation to Junaid’s family, but many believe true justice lies in harsh punishment for the attackers and dismantling vigilante networks altogether.
Final Thoughts
The Bhopal cow vigilante assault is more than just another case of mob violence. It reflects deep-rooted problems—communal mistrust, weak law enforcement, and rising extremism. If India doesn’t act now, such tragedies will continue.
