
Mon Mar 09 16:17:40 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Cow Vigilantes Arrested in Pune for Assaulting Truck Driver and Forcing Him to Eat Cow Dung
The Story:
Pune city police have arrested two individuals identified as Bipasha alias Akash Manikam and Hemant Gaikwad, self-proclaimed cow vigilantes, for allegedly assaulting a truck driver transporting buffaloes and forcing him to consume cow dung. The incident occurred on March 6, 2026, and a first information report (FIR) was lodged at the Ambegaon police station on Sunday, leading to their arrest. Police discovered a video of the incident showing the accused making insulting comments about the driver’s religion, thrashing him, and forcing him to eat cow dung, which prompted further charges against them.
Key Points:
- Two individuals, Bipasha alias Akash Manikam and Hemant Gaikwad, have been arrested.
- The accused are self-styled cow vigilantes.
- They allegedly assaulted a truck driver transporting buffaloes.
- They forced the driver to eat cow dung.
- The incident occurred on March 6, 2026, and the FIR was lodged on Sunday.
- A video surfaced showing the accused making insulting comments about the driver’s religion.
- The accused have been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 196, 299, 352, 115 (2), and 3(5).
- The court remanded the two accused to police custody until March 10, 2026.
Key Takeaways:
- The incident highlights the continued prevalence of cow vigilantism in India.
- The police investigation was prompted by a video surfacing, demonstrating the role of social media in exposing crimes.
- The accused face charges under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, indicating the seriousness of the offense.
- The arrest and ongoing investigation demonstrate the police’s attempt to address cow vigilantism.
- The fact that the truck driver initially did not report the religious slurs and forced consumption of cow dung suggests potential fear of further retaliation.