Tension in Bhubaneswar after farmer assaulted by self-styled ‘gaurakshaks’ 

Tension prevailed at Palasuni Square in Bhubaneswar after a group of youths allegedly posing as ‘gaurakshak’ assaulted a farmer transporting cattle from Andhra Pradesh on Saturday.

According to reports, the victim, a farmer from Sithala in Cuttack district, had availed a loan under the Chief Minister’s Kamdhenu Yojana to purchase cattle for his livelihood.  He was bringing four cows and three calves in two vehicles from Andhra Pradesh when the miscreants intercepted him near Palasuni Square, sources added.

Claiming to be from a ‘gaurakshak’ group, the youths reportedly demanded to see his documents. Despite the farmer producing valid papers, the accused dismissed them as fake and allegedly demanded money. When the farmer refused, they allegedly assaulted him.

During the commotion, one of the calves reportedly died, adding to the farmer’s distress. The incident has sparked outrage among locals, who condemned the high-handedness of self-styled vigilantes.

According to sources, the assailants allegedly forced the farmers to kneel on the road and strip them. In protest, the farmers later staged a demonstration with the carcass of the calf, demanding stringent action against the miscreants.

A similar incident took place in Bhubaneswar’s Khandagiri area on August 28, when a farmer’s vehicle was vandalised while he was returning home with his cattle.

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Following the incident, the farmer lodged a complaint at Mancheswar Police Station. Police have begun an investigation into the matter and are verifying the authenticity of the documents produced by the farmer.

The incident has raised serious questions about law and order, with many demanding strict action against those taking the law into their own hands under the pretext of cow protection.