Madikeri, Sep 13: The growing tribe of cow vigilantes has dented the festive mood of a poor Muslim family as its breadwinner became the latest victim of notorious Gau Rakshaks (cow vigilantes) in communally sensitive Kodagu district. Barring coastal districts, the Eid-ul-Adha or Bakrid was celebrated across Karnataka on Tuesday.
Soura, Basheer's wife, said, “We may be poor. But will not take to theft. Even if we have to go hungry, we will not set eyes on other's things. Let Allah protect my husband, as the family will be thrown to streets in the case of otherwise...”
She said this holding her toddler in hand. Soura, who had returned home for the festival — for she had to take care of her three little children — has been keeping track of her husband's health. The doctor who is treating Basheer had himself called latter's friend Ali Hasan over phone and informed him about his condition and also the scanning report.
According to the report, Basheer has suffered fracture in his right hand finger, besides injuries in his abdomen and head.
Narrating as to what led to the incident,?Soura said, “Basheer, though a proletariat, was also a cattle dealer. Whenever he went to market for work, he was gathering information on cattle for sale. Four days ago, Ganapathi, a resident of Kaggodlu, had contacted Basheer to sell his pair of cows.”? According to?Soura, she herself had attended to?Ganapathi's call (on mobile phone), when her husband had gone for Namaz.
Abdul Salam, driver of goods vehicle who was also injured in the attack, recalled, “On Sunday morning, I and?Basheer had gone to?Ganapathi's house and collected the remaining amount of Rs 16,500 (as Basheer had been already paid Rs 500 advance amount). Ganapathi's son helped us in loading the cattle into the vehicle.?Strangely, Ganapathi's family is blaming Basheer for theft of the cattle.”
Salam said, “We were attacked by a mob of 20 persons that waylaid our vehicle near Kaggodlu. Two rounds of fire were opened at me. But I succeeded in fleeing from the spot and hid in a coffee estate.?Basheer, though came under attack, was rescued by some among his friends in the mob.”
He also claimed that he was economically well as he is also into buying and selling of coffee, cardamon and pepper. It is only during spare hours, Salam said, he takes his vehicle for hire.
According to Basheer, who has confided in his friend Hasan, he was also force fed cow dung by some youths, during the attack.
SP?P?Rajendra Prasad said, “Complaint and counter complaint have been received from both the parties. No arrests have been made till now and the rural police station personnel have been told to arrest the suspects only after probing into their involvement in the attack.”
Also Read: Cow vigilantes open fire on vehicle; brutally assault two Muslims
Comments
Add new comment