Bhatkal: A group of three individuals allegedly attempted to enter a Muslim household and confront the residents, identifying themselves as Gau Rakshaks (cow protectors). In response, a mob attacked them. The incident occurred on June 28 on Khaleefa Street. As a result, a protest took place outside the Bhatkal Town police station on Saturday, July 1, by Sangh Parivar members, led by BJP leader Govind Naik.

During the protest, Govind Naik alleged that illegal cattle smuggling was taking place in Bhatkal, and the police were failing to stop it. He stated that those who tried to stop the illegal movement of cattle were attacked, and even after three days, no action had been taken against the accused. Present at the protest were Srinivas Naik Hanumana Nagar, Hanumanth Naik Sarpanakatte, Tulsidas Naik, Kumara Naik, and others.

To address the situation, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Shrikanth, CPI Gopikrishna, and Sub-Inspectors Shridhar Naik and Hanumanta Kudgunti arrived at the scene to pacify the angry protesters.

DySP Shrikanth clarified that the police had not received any reports of individuals chasing a cattle vehicle. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of the police to prevent cattle smuggling. He also mentioned that Chandrakant Gonda, Praveen Shetty, and Santhosh Naik, who were injured in the mob attack, filed a complaint with the police, claiming that they had chased the vehicle involved in an accident and were subsequently assaulted.

ಗೋ ರಕ್ಷಣೆಯ ನೆಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಮನೆಗಳಿಗೆ ನುಗ್ಗಿ ದಾಂಧಲೆ ಆರೊಪ; ಹಲ್ಲೆ ಮಾಡಿದವರನ್ನು ಬಂಧಿಸುವಂತೆ ಸಂಘ ಪರಿವಾರ ಆಗ್ರಹ

The DySP questioned the relevance of cattle movement in this case, stating that nobody should take the law into their own hands. He also emphasized the need to determine accountability if anything went wrong during the incident. However, he assured the protesters that the police were taking the assault case seriously and pledged to arrest the accused within three days. Subsequently, the protesters concluded their agitation.

Background of the incident: According to locals, on the night before Eid-ul-Azha, at approximately 12:30 a.m., three individuals in an inebriated state drove a car into Khalifa Street, passing through Sultan street and Jamia street. They shouted that they were cow vigilantes and intended to prevent animal sacrifices during Eid. They also attempted to enter a compound, arguing that cattle were being kept there.

A mob quickly gathered and attacked the three individuals. Muslim leaders arrived at the scene, dispersed the crowd, and promptly informed the police. The police arrived and took the youths into custody.

In light of this incident, on Saturday morning, Sangh Parivar members staged a protest in front of the police station, demanding the arrest of the attackers who assaulted the cow vigilantes. The protest was called off after the police assured the demonstrators that action would be taken against the attackers within three days.