In a deeply disturbing incident, a Muslim youth identified as Junaid Qureshi succumbed to injuries after being brutally assaulted by a mob allegedly comprising members of the Bajrang Dal, on suspicion of cow transportation. Another youth, Armaan, remains in critical condition on a ventilator. The attack took place late on June 5 near Mehgaon, between Sanchi and Raisen, sparking outrage and raising fresh concerns over rising vigilante violence in India.
According to the victims' families, Junaid and Armaan were transporting six cows from Dhanora to Siroj as part of their legitimate dairy business when they were intercepted by a mob of 20–25 individuals, allegedly led by Bajrang Dal workers Chandan Yadav and Chandan Kushwaha.
Family members claim the two were first taken to Vidisha police station, and later moved to a secluded spot near Mehgaon, where they were beaten throughout the night. The assailants also allegedly looted Rs 2 lakh from the victims during the assault.
After nearly 24 hours, both youths were located at Vidisha District Hospital, and later transferred to Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal. Junaid succumbed to his injuries, while Armaan remains in critical condition.
Junaid, a resident of Siroj and dairy operator based in Jinsi, Bhopal, had been running a legitimate business for the past two years. Armaan is a native of Shyampur. Speaking to reporters, Junaid’s brother Zaid Qureshi and Armaan’s father Zafar Uddin accused Bajrang Dal members of orchestrating the attack. Mohammad Ashraf, a relative, stated that the victims were involved in lawful dairy activities and had no connection with illegal cow transport.
Raisen SDOP Pratibha Sharma confirmed that an FIR has been registered against 10–15 unidentified persons, and three individuals—Dhruv Chaturvedi, Gagan Dubey (both from Vidisha), and Rampal Rajput (from Kararia)—have been arrested. The arrested suspects reportedly have prior records involving animal cruelty, assault, and illegal transport.
Authorities are probing the alleged involvement of Bajrang Dal members, as well as the reported looting and custodial mishandling. The case has added to a string of recent violent incidents across India tied to cow vigilantism, frequently targeting members of the Muslim community. Cow slaughter and transport are regulated or banned in most Indian states, but human rights groups have long warned against the rise of mob justice and impunity.
As the investigation continues, civil society groups and political leaders have demanded a thorough probe and swift justice in the case, urging authorities to crack down on vigilante violence and uphold the rule of law.
