Dalits thrashed for skinning dead cow

Ahmedabad, July 12: A group of dalits were allegedly beaten up by six people for skinning a dead cow at a village in Gir Somnath district, following which three persons were arrested, the police said on Tuesday.

The victims, belonging to a dalit community at Mota Samadiyara village of Una taluka in Gir Somnath, claimed that they were skinning an already dead cow, while the six accused claimed that the animal was killed before being skinned, the police said.

A video purportedly showing the persons being beaten with iron rods and sticks went viral on social media platforms like WhatsApp. In the video, some people are seen chained to a car, while the accused are seen thrashing them mercilessly.

“We have arrested three persons in this connection while three others are absconding. We have also called a team of forensic science laboratory ( FSL) experts and veterinary doctors to ascertain if the cow was

A video purportedly showing the persons being beaten with iron rods and sticks went viral on social media platforms like WhatsApp. The police have arrested three so far

already dead before being skinned or was killed for skin,” Gir Somnath district’s deputy superintendent of police K. M. Joshi said.

The incident took place on Monday when six people started beating up some dalits after they saw them skinning a dead cow near Mota Samadiyara village, which is a forest area, Mr Joshi said. At least two persons sustained severe head injuries and were referred for treatment, he said.

The accused have been identified as Ramesh Giri, Balwant Simer, Ramesh Bhagwan, Rakesh Joshi, Rasikbhai and Nagjibhai Vaniya.

— PTI