A gaurakshak identified as Sonu alias Prashanth was shot and critically injured on Wednesday (October 22) near Ghatkesar, on the outskirts of Hyderabad, while reportedly trying to stop illegal cow transport. The shocking incident has triggered a major political storm in Telangana, with the BJP accusing the assailants of having links to the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).
According to local sources quoted in media, the attack took place when Sonu and other gaurakshaks intercepted a suspected cattle smuggling vehicle. One of the attackers, identified as Ibrahim, a known rowdy sheeter, allegedly opened fire on Sonu before fleeing the scene.
Sonu was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital by Medchal District BJYM President Pawan Reddy and his fellow gaurakshaks. Doctors said his condition remains critical, and he continues to receive intensive care.
BJP blames AIMIM, accuses police of inaction
The incident prompted sharp reactions from BJP leaders, who accused the ruling Congress government of allowing AIMIM-linked criminals to operate freely.
Telangana BJP President N Ramchander Rao alleged political protection for the attackers.
“MIM goons fired on a gaurakshak named Prashanth Kumar alias Sonu near Ghatkesar. He is in serious condition. This was a deliberate attack by MIM goons to discourage BJP and RSS workers from engaging in gauraksha and protecting cows,” Rao said.
He also blamed the police for ignoring prior warnings: “We had already informed the police about illegal cow transport in the area, but they took no action. The accused, a known criminal, is still absconding. Due to the Congress government’s protection, such elements are emboldened to attack gaurakshaks,” he added.
Union Minister calls it a ‘Law and order collapse’
Union Minister and senior Telangana BJP leader G Kishan Reddy also condemned the attack, calling it an alarming sign of deteriorating law and order in the state.
“A mafia that illegally transports cows called up gaurakshaks and opened fire. A gaurakshak, Sonu, is hospitalised with bullet injuries. I have spoken to the DGP and senior officials. The DGP told me this is the first such incident in Telangana,” Reddy told reporters.
He added that the incident comes just days after another law enforcement tragedy.
“You can imagine the situation. Just two days before Diwali, a constable was killed by a rowdy in Nizamabad while in custody. Telangana’s law and order has completely collapsed,” he said.
Reddy demanded a crackdown on illegal cow transport and slaughter around Hyderabad, alleging that the police are hand-in-glove with criminal syndicates.
“It is the police’s responsibility to stop cow smuggling, but they are colluding with these mafias. I spoke to Sonu, he has demanded the immediate arrest of the attacker,” Reddy added.
Police launch hunt for absconding accused
Authorities have identified one of the prime accused as Ibrahim, who has several criminal cases against him. A manhunt has been launched to trace him, though no arrests had been made at the time of reporting.
Police officials said they are examining CCTV footage and have formed special teams to investigate possible links between the attackers and cattle trafficking networks operating across the Medchal and Rachakonda regions.
A senior police officer, requesting anonymity, said, “We have registered a case and formed multiple teams to track down the culprits. All angles, including personal enmity and organised smuggling, are being probed.”
Reddy warned, “If immediate action is not taken, the BJP will take this matter to the streets. We will not allow gaurakshaks to be silenced by bullets.”
Supporters described Sonu as a devoted gaurakshak who had earlier helped rescue cattle from illegal transporters in the Medchal area. One activist wrote on X, “Sonu stood up for dharma and protection of cows. Today he lies in a hospital bed fighting for his life. This is Telangana under Congress rule.”
As the state police face increasing pressure, the case has now become a flashpoint between the BJP and AIMIM, long-time political rivals in Telangana’s communally sensitive districts.
While the AIMIM has not yet issued an official statement, BJP leaders continue to demand the arrest of all involved and the resignation of state officials accused of negligence.
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