New Delhi: A man was allegedly beaten to death and his two associates were assaulted by some self-styled cow protectors for transporting cattle “illegally” at Sathanur area in Karnataka’s Ramanagara on Saturday, news agency PTI reported.
According to the report, the incident took place when the deceased, identified as Idrees Pasha and his two associates Irfan and Syed Zaheer were transporting cattle.
The accused, identified as Puneeth Kerehalli, and his team, stopped the trio and accused them of transporting the cattle illegally for slaughter. They even showed the papers, the receipt of the purchase, and tried to reason out but the accused demanded Rs 2 lakh. When they refused to pay the amount, the team allegedly assaulted them.
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Pasha, who tried to resist them, was reportedly chased and beaten up. His body was later found along a road at the Sathnur Village in Ramanagara district of Karnataka.
Puneet Kerehalli, leader of a so-called 'cow protection force', is absconding, police said.
The accused have been booked on charges of murder, wrongful restraint, and intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.
Zaheer and his associates were booked under Sections of the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Prevention Act, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Transportation of Animals Act, and Motor Vehicles Act.
Meanwhile, tension prevailed on Saturday as the family of the deceased took to streets and demanded action against the vigilantes, holding them responsible for the death of Idrees. However, following the police interference, the situation was brought under control.
Police said investigation on the matter is underway and they are trying to nab the main accused Kerehalli.
It is to be noted that the area where the incident took place falls under the constituency of Karnataka Congress state president DK Shivakumar.