Companions of trader killed in Alwar held for ‘cow smuggling’

The men (arrested for killing Umar) had spotted the three driving the pickup and identifying them as cow smugglers, planned to rob them. That’s how the attack happened. ANIL BENIWAL, ASP, Alwar (south)

JAIPUR: Police in Rajasthan’s Alwar have arrested two men, who were travelling with murdered cattle trader Umar Mohammed, on charges of smuggling cows, officials said on Monday, as their families and activists accused the force of siding with the attackers.

Tahir Khan and Javed Khan alias Jabba were transporting cows along with Mohammed through Alwar on November 10 when alleged cow vigilantes opened fire at them.

Umar died on the spot and his mutilated body was found dumped on railway tracks in Ramgarh. Khan received bullet injuries while Javed managed to escape. All are from Ghat Mika village in Bharatpur district.

“During interrogation, Khan and Javed have said they bought the cows from members of the Rewari community near Dausa. Such purchase is illegal as mostly stray cows are herded and sold by the community members without any valid documents,” Anil Beniwal, assistant superintendent of police, Alwar (south), told the Hindustan Times on Monday.

They surrendered on Sunday and have been booked under the Rajasthan Bovine Animal (Prohibition of Slaughter & Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act, 1995 and Rules, 1995, said the police.