Gaurakshak Ganesh Shelke was brutally attacked by a group of radical Islamists in Chikalthana, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The shocking part the assault allegedly took place even in the presence of police protection
According to information shared by Sakal Hindu Samaj on X, the attackers, identified as radical Islamists involved in illegal slaughter operations, not only targeted Shelke but also attempted to assault police officers who were present at the scene.
The organisation described the incident as “deeply concerning” and demanded immediate action from the state government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio.
“Gaurakshak Ganesh Shelke was brutally attacked by radical Islamists at Chikalthana in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Shockingly, the attack took place even in the presence of police protection. The Islamists also tried to assault the police officers,” — Sakal Hindu Samaj posted on X.
https://twitter.com/sakal_hindu_/status/1975780994490970182
The Hindu organisation further urged @CSNCityPolice and @HMOIndia to invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the perpetrators and to demolish all illegal slaughterhouses operating in the region without delay.
Initial local reports suggest that Ganesh Shelke, known for his activism against illegal cattle slaughter and cow smuggling, had been receiving threats from groups involved in the illicit meat trade. Despite prior police protection, he was ambushed and beaten by a mob of Islamists near Chikalthana, an industrial area notorious for its growing number of unlicensed slaughter points.
Eyewitnesses claim that the attackers used sharp weapons and that police personnel present at the spot were also threatened and obstructed when they tried to intervene. The incident reportedly caused panic in the area, forcing reinforcement deployment later in the day.
Social media users have flooded posts tagging CM Devendra Fadnavis, demanding swift justice and action under stringent laws. Many pointed out that this was not an isolated case but part of a larger pattern of attacks on gau rakshaks and increasing impunity for illegal meat traders across Maharashtra.
Sakal Hindu Samaj, in its post, called for MCOCA-level action a legal tool designed to curb organised crime networks indicating the seriousness of the threat posed by such groups. And has demanded an immediate demolition drive against illegal slaughterhouses in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and nearby areas. Such establishments, it said, not only violate animal protection laws but also serve as hubs for organised criminal activities.
