A cow protection activist died in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district after being hit by a vehicle during a late-night incident, with police now saying it appears to be a road accident and not linked to cattle smuggling.
The deceased, Chandrashekhar, locally known as “Farsa Wale Baba”, was part of a group that had stopped a vehicle for checking in the Kosi Kalan area, officials said.
The incident has led to tension on the ground, with protests and a brief law-and-order situation reported before police brought things under control.
Conflicting accounts on what happened
Early accounts said Chandrashekhar had gone after a truck he believed was carrying cattle when a vehicle hit him during the chase. One suspect was detained, while others fled.
However, police later clarified that the incident was likely an accident. According to Mathura Police, Chandrashekhar had stopped a vehicle on suspicion when another truck coming from Rajasthan hit him due to low visibility caused by dense fog, leading to fatal injuries.
Police said both vehicles involved have been examined, and no evidence of cattle smuggling has been found. The vehicle initially stopped was carrying grocery items, while the other truck was loaded with wires.
The driver of the Rajasthan truck and his associate were also injured and are undergoing treatment.
Protests, stone-pelting after death
After his death, locals gathered at the spot and blocked the road, demanding action. Tempers rose, some people threw stones at the police, and officers used tear gas to clear the crowd.
Police said “people created chaos and traffic jam, stone pelting took place” during the protests.
Police say things have since calmed down, with extra personnel deployed in the area to keep the situation under control.
UP CM orders strict action
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the incident and directed officials to ensure strict action.
“The accused will not be spared under any circumstances,” he said, adding that action will be based on verified facts.
Officials have urged people to remain calm, reiterating that the incident appears to be an accident. Further investigation is underway to establish the complete sequence of events.