Dalit Man Alleges Assault, Forced to Eat Cow Dung by Self-Styled Gau Rakshaks in Jalna

JALNA, August 23: A Dalit man has alleged that a group of people claiming to be cow protectors and Bajrang Dal activists intercepted his vehicle, assaulted him, subjected him to caste-based abuse and allegedly forced cow dung into his mouth in Jalna.

The complainant, Parameshwar Suhas Hiwale, submitted a detailed complaint at the Tehsil police station in Jalna on August 21, after a video of the alleged incident surfaced on social media.

According to the complaint, the incident took place on May 23 when Hiwale was returning to Jalna with his 11-year-old son and Narayan Maroti Kamble after visiting the weekly cattle market at Deulgaon Raja. Kamble had allegedly purchased a young bull for domestic rearing and was carrying documents relating to the purchase.

The complaint states that several motorcyclists intercepted their vehicle near the T-point in the Kanhaiyanagar area of Jalna. The men allegedly identified themselves as cow protectors and Bajrang Dal activists and questioned the occupants about the animal being transported.

Hiwale alleged that the men caught him by the collar, slapped him and used caste-related abusive language after asking his name and caste. He said he showed them the documents relating to the bull’s purchase, but the alleged attackers continued to abuse and threaten him.

The most serious allegation in the complaint is that cow dung was brought from the vehicle and forcibly put into Hiwale’s mouth against his will. He further alleged that an attempt was made to put cow dung into the mouth of his 11-year-old son. Hiwale said he resisted and managed to move his son away from the accused.

Kamble was also allegedly abused and assaulted, while the vehicle was reportedly damaged during the incident.

The complainant further alleged that one of the accused recorded the incident on a mobile phone and threatened him and his family with serious consequences if they approached the police. He also alleged that the accused threatened to circulate the video on social media.

Although the incident allegedly occurred on May 23, Hiwale did not immediately approach the police. He attributed the delay to the alleged threats to his family, the number of people involved and the fear of social humiliation following circulation of the video.

Hiwale said he learned that the video had gone viral on August 20 after his cousin informed him about it on Instagram. He subsequently viewed the video and decided to approach the police.

The complainant alleged that the video was circulated through an Instagram account operated by one of the accused. He has urged the police to preserve and seize relevant electronic evidence, including the social media post or reel, video, URL, screenshots, screen recordings and metadata.

He has also sought collection of CCTV footage from the area and recording of statements from eyewitnesses, his minor son, Kamble, his cousin and police personnel who may have reached the spot.

Hiwale, who has stated that he belongs to a Scheduled Caste, has sought action under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, alleging caste-based abuse in a public place. He has also sought action under applicable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and other relevant laws based on the findings of the investigation.

The complainant has further requested preventive action to ensure the safety of himself and his family.

The allegations have surfaced after the video circulated widely on social media, raising concerns over the alleged use of violence and humiliation in the name of cow protection. Police action and the outcome of the investigation are awaited.