Tension gripped parts of Mathura after the death of a local cow vigilante, Chandrashekhar, popularly known as “Farsa Wale Baba”, triggered protests, highway blockades, and clashes with police on Saturday morning.
According to police, the incident occurred around 4 am on the Delhi–Agra National Highway (NH-19). Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar said Chandrashekhar was allegedly chasing a suspicious vehicle carrying suspected cattle smugglers and attempting to stop it. Amid dense fog, a truck coming from behind — reportedly registered in Rajasthan — hit and ran over him.
Police maintain that the incident was a road accident. The truck driver, who was also injured, has been taken into custody, and an investigation is underway.
However, members of local cow protection groups and supporters of the deceased have rejected the police’s version, alleging that Chandrashekhar was deliberately killed as part of a conspiracy. Following the incident, large crowds gathered on the highway, blocking traffic and causing long queues of vehicles.
The protest soon turned violent as demonstrators began pelting stones at police personnel, injuring several officers and damaging vehicles. Security forces responded by using tear gas shells and mild force to disperse the crowd. After nearly three hours, the traffic blockade was cleared, though sporadic clashes continued.
Authorities deployed heavy police forces and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) units to control the situation. Senior administrative officials, including the Additional District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police (Rural), rushed to the spot to manage the escalating tension.
The unrest reportedly flared up multiple times during the day, with protesters repeatedly regrouping and engaging in stone-pelting. In response to the deteriorating situation, additional reinforcements were called in to restore order.