Saffron storm-troopers kept at bay in east UP

When compared to west UP, cow vigilantes do not appear to have much influence in eastern UP.

Social activist Anoop Shramik claims cow vigilante groups have not had much success in the eastern part of the state because of various campaigns by social activists in this region. He, however, acknowledges the presence of the Hindu Yuva Va hini (HYV) whose members act as cow vigilantes. Despite the claims of social activists, there are isolated incidents in which cow protection volunteers have come into play even in east UP.

For instance, one such vigilante Rakesh Jaiswal alias Rinku claimed he was attacked on September 29, 2014 in Ghazipur. The attack took place around a month after he freed 17 calves and a cow from the clutches of cattle smugglers on August 27, 2014. He filed a case at the Ghazipur police station. Later, five attackers were arrested.

Shobhana, also an activist, blames the centre for a rise in the influence of cow vigilantes in west UP and other parts of the country. “The centre doesn’t take any action against these self- proclaimed cow vigilantes,” It indicates that the vigilante groups have support of the centre,” she says.

A report from Gorakhpur saysthere were no vigilante groups active in the city for cow protection . There are also no police cases on violence connected with the cow protection issue.