Arson in Surat after calf head found on road

A MOB indulged in arson and stone pelting after a calf’s head was spotted on the road at Dindoli in Limbayat area here on Monday morning. Police lobbed as many as 69 tear gas shells to disperse the mob and detained 41 people even as saffron groups protested in the area.

However, the police said prima facie it didn’t appear to be a case of cow slaughter, and stray dogs might have eaten the rest of the carcass, leaving the head.

Trouble began when passersby spotted the calf’s head lying on the main junction near Bhavna Park Society in Dindoli. As news spread via Whatsapp groups, many gathered at the spot, including Bajrang Dal and VHP activists, who began a dharna on the main road.

Protesters threw stones when police reached the spot and asked them to disperse. More police personnel were called in to control the situation, even as the protesters forced shopkeepers to shut their establishments.

Two shops were burnt and six people, including four policemen, were injured.

Police lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to lathicharge to disperse the mob. Two SRP batallions and a police mobile van were deployed in the area.

Surat police commissioner Satish Sharma said the situation was under control. “We have foundthatthecasewasnotofcow slaughter. Stray dogs ate the flesh and left the head behind.”