Farmer Assaulted by Self-Styled ‘Gaurakshaks’ Sparks Tension in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Sept 6 — Tension flared at Palasuni Square on Saturday after a farmer from Sithala village in Cuttack district was allegedly assaulted by a group of self-proclaimed cow vigilantes while transporting cattle under the state’s Kamdhenu Yojana.

According to eyewitnesses, the farmer was intercepted by youths claiming to be part of a cow-protection group. Despite presenting valid documents for the livestock, the attackers reportedly dismissed them as fake and demanded money.

When the farmer refused, he was allegedly beaten, forced to kneel, and stripped in public view.

Tragically, one calf died during the scuffle, prompting local farmers to stage a protest with the carcass, demanding swift action against the perpetrators.

The incident has reignited concerns over rising vigilantism and lawlessness in the capital city.

Police have registered a complaint at Mancheswar Police Station and are verifying the farmer’s documents while working to identify the attackers.

This marks the second such incident in recent days, following a similar attack in Khandagiri on August 28.

Local residents and farmer groups have condemned the assault, urging authorities to crack down on rogue vigilante groups operating under the guise of cow protection.