New Delhi: A 44-year old grocery shop owner in Vijay Nagar near Delhi University’s North Campus was assaulted late on Wednesday night by a group of individuals accusing him of selling cow meat, according to Delhi Police.
The incident came to light after a 15-year old boy filed a complaint alleging that he purchased meat at Rs 400 per kilogram from the shop. However, he later suspected it to be a cow meat. The shop owned by Chaman Kumar, a resident of Burari in North Delhi, became the target of the mob, which physically assaulted him. However, soon the police intervened and provided medical assistance to the injured shopkeeper.
Investigations underway
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Bhisham Singh stated, “A complaint has been received regarding the sale of suspected cow meat at a grocery shop in Vijay Nagar. The situation is under control. Once the forensic report and full enquiry are complete, appropriate legal action will be taken as per the findings and provisions of law.”
CCTV footage from the area is being collected and reviewed so as to ascertain the sequence of the events that took place. A sample of the meat has been sent for forensic investigation to verify its origin.
Videos, however, have been surfacing in social media that shows agitated individuals protesting outside the shop, called the North-East Store and raising various slogans. In one video, a woman claims that the shopkeeper has been attacked. Members of the Student Federation of India (SFI) also visited the site.
Demands for speedy action
According to Indian Express, SFI Delhi in a statement condemned the incident, stating, “SFI Delhi condemns the cow vigilantism that is occurring in Vijay Nagar. We appeal to law enforcement authorities to take strict and immediate action against the perpetrators who have attacked a North-eastern store and are threatening to raid the homes of minority students in furtherance of their vigilante agenda.”
This incident has added to a series of episodes that raises crucial questions of cow vigilantism and protection.
