Class 12 Student Shot Dead in Haryana: Were Accused Cow Vigilantes? What Happened in Faridabad on August 23
News Article:
A tragic incident unfolded in Haryana's Faridabad on August 23, where a Class 12 student, Aryan Mishra, was shot dead by a group of five men who allegedly mistook him and his friends for cattle smugglers. The suspects, believed to be cow vigilantes, chased the victim’s car for 30 kilometers before opening fire, resulting in Aryan's death near the Gadhpuri toll on the Delhi-Agra National Highway.
Key Highlights:
Fatal Mistake: According to reports, Aryan Mishra and his friends, Shanky and Harshit, were pursued by five suspects—Saurabh, Anil Kaushik, Varun, Krishna, and Adesh—who believed the group was involved in cattle smuggling. The chase ended in tragedy when the suspects fired at the car, killing Aryan on the spot.
Accused Arrested: The five accused were apprehended on August 28 and placed in police custody for two days. Superintendent of Police (Crime) Aman Yadav confirmed that the suspects were later sent to judicial custody after their police remand expired. The police have recovered the illegal weapon used in the crime, as well as the car involved.
Accused's Claims: During police questioning, the suspects claimed they had received information about suspected cattle smugglers in Faridabad and believed Aryan and his friends were involved. When the group did not stop their vehicle upon being asked, the suspects opened fire, leading to Aryan's death.
Alleged Cow Vigilantes: While the police statement does not explicitly identify the accused as cow vigilantes, details emerging from the investigation suggest a connection. Anil Kaushik's mother, when interviewed by NDTV, stated that her son thought the car he was chasing contained a cow smuggler. She also mentioned that her son did not fire the fatal shot and that he is a dedicated cow protector.
Vigilante Ties: NDTV reported that two vehicles were found parked at Anil Kaushik’s home—one bearing the inscription 'Gau Raksha Dal' and another marked as a cow ambulance with Kaushik's name. These details have fueled speculation about the involvement of cow vigilantes in the incident.
Ongoing Investigation: The police are investigating various angles, including the possibility of old enmity as a motive for the crime. The victim's father alleged that one of the acquaintances who accompanied his son was involved in a conspiracy to have him killed. The weapon used in the shooting will be sent for forensic examination, and the police are working to verify the accuracy of the statements provided by the accused.
Public Concern: The incident has sparked concern over the actions of self-proclaimed cow vigilantes and the dangers of such groups taking the law into their own hands. The death of a young student under such circumstances has raised questions about law enforcement and the need for stricter measures to prevent vigilantism.