Killing people on suspicion of possession or trading of beef continues unabated in India. In yet another case related to suspicion on cow slaughter, the Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh (U.P) police thrashed a meat trader Mohammad Salim Qureshi alias Munna so badly that he succumbed to injuries on Thursday after spending eight days in AIIMS.

In a written complaint to UP director-general of police OP Singh, Qureshi’s wife had alleged assault by the cops at the behest of a local corporator. “He was assaulted by cops who wanted to extort money. This was all done at the behest of local corporator Anjum Khan alias Firdaus,” Qureshi’s wife Farzana wrote.

According to the FIR, the Kankartola Police Station SHO Ali Mia Zaidi had sent two constables Shree Pal and Harish Chandra to Qureshi’s house on June 14 to bring him to the police outpost following a tip-off that he was involved in cow slaughter.

Qureshi owned a small meat shop in Baradari area of Bareilly. Family members alleged that the charges were leveled against Qureshi at the behest of local corporator Anjum Khan with an aim to extort money.

“When Qureshi denied charges during questioning, he was severely beaten by the cops till he fell unconscious,” alleged family members. He was rushed to a local hospital and when his condition deteriorated he was moved to Delhi. When his condition did not improve, he was shifted to AIIMS where he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.

SSP Bareilly Kalanidhi Naithani said that a sub-inspector and two constables, who were involved in assaulting the meat trader, were suspended and a departmental inquiry has been ordered. Circle Officer Nidhi Dwivedi has been directed to probe charges of assault and extortion against them, added the SSP.

“An FIR has been lodged following complaint by the victim’s family. We have suspended the SHO and two constables in connection with alleged physical assault at the police station and ordered a probe. Investigations are underway and further action will be initiated after report is submitted,” said the SSP.

Qureshi’s family member have also written a letter to the DGP OP Singh demanding arrest of the police officers involved in the assault resulting in his death. Residents of the area also held a demonstration against the police on Thursday following which the SSP took action against the accused cops.

Earlier, a cattle trader Qasim (45) was lynched by a frenzied mob in Hapur district and his relative Shamiuddin (65) was seriously injured in the attack. Three policemen were suspended and the DGP Office had offered an apology.

After the right wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in India dozens of people mainly Muslims and Dalits were lynched on suspicion of cow slaughter.

The article appeared in the Counter Currents on June 23, 2018