Sangh Parivar distances itself from Faridabad ‘cow vigilante’ killing incident amidst teen’s death

After the killing of a teenager following a 30-km chase by alleged cow vigilantes in the Delhi National Capital Region, the BJP government in Haryana, which is heading into elections, has been left in a difficult position. Responding to the incident, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Alok stated that the Sangh Parivar “does not approve of violence in any manner.”

Leaders of the Sangh Parivar, which has been active in cow protection efforts, distanced the event from their cause. Alok Kumar, the VHP president, emphasised, “The VHP does not support any violence or law-breaking. Our workers are trained to operate within the law while protecting cows. We trust that the Haryana Police will conduct a proper investigation.”

VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal also insisted that the killing was unrelated to cow protection. He noted, “Connecting cow protection with such a crime might serve political purposes, but society will not accept it. This is an unfortunate event, and the accused have already been arrested. We trust the Haryana government to get to the bottom of this case.”

The incident occurred on August 23 when Aryan Mishra, a Class 12 student from Faridabad, was chased and shot on the Delhi-Agra highway near Palwal by a group of self-proclaimed cow vigilantes. The Haryana Police arrested five suspects, including Anil Kaushik, the alleged leader of the group. The police reported that the accused claimed they mistook Aryan for a cattle smuggler transporting beef. Aryan’s parents have expressed outrage, questioning the vigilantes’ right to open fire.

The incident has caused concern for the Haryana government, especially with evidence of Kaushik’s connections to law enforcement through his cow protection activities. According to sources within the Sangh Parivar, the killing of a Hindu youth by cow vigilantes in areas where such groups operate with impunity could be politically damaging for the BJP, as opposition parties may seize upon it in the upcoming assembly elections. A Sangh functionary commented, “This incident tarnishes the image of cow protection, which is viewed positively in Haryana.”

Opposition leaders were quick to respond. AAP leader Sanjay Singh accused the BJP government of fostering an environment where such crimes occur, stating, “In the name of cow protection, humanity is being killed. Who gave these people the right to act as arbiters of religion? The Prime Minister remains silent on these killings.”

Asaduddin Owaisi of the AIMIM also condemned the killing, calling the vigilantes “rakshasas (demons)” and blaming the Haryana government for giving them a “free hand.”

This incident comes after previous statements by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first term, when he condemned violence in the name of cow protection. Speaking at a government event in August 2016, Modi expressed anger over individuals who, under the guise of cow protection, engaged in criminal activities. He urged state governments to investigate such individuals, noting that a significant number would likely be involved in illegal behaviour.

Despite the assurances from Sangh Parivar leaders and the arrest of the accused, the incident continues to cast a shadow over the BJP in Haryana as it approaches the October elections.