Telangana Police Detain Three Suspects in Cow Vigilante Shooting Case Amid Political Controversy

Hyderabad:

Telangana police have detained three suspects in relation to the shooting of a cow vigilante. The main suspect, Ibrahim, allegedly shot Sonu (also known as Prashant) in the Ghatkesar area. The victim is currently in critical condition at a private hospital in Secunderabad after sustaining a bullet wound.

Rachakonda Police Commissioner G Sudheer Babu inspected the crime scene and confirmed that special teams were immediately formed to investigate. Authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise sequence of events, the shooting motive, and identify all parties involved.

The police have made no official statements regarding the political affiliations of the suspects.

The incident took place on Wednesday within the Rachakonda Police Commissionerate jurisdiction. Sonu, a local gau rakshak or cow protection activist, was allegedly lured to a location in Pocharam on the outskirts of Hyderabad after receiving information about suspected illegal cow transportation.

Upon arrival, he was confronted by several men. Ibrahim, the primary suspect, reportedly fired a country-made weapon, severely wounding Sonu.

The shooting has ignited political controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party connecting the suspects to the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and criticizing the ruling Congress government in Telangana.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy denounced the attack, claiming that local police were "colluding with these mafias" and failing to enforce cow protection laws. BJP leader Madhavi Latha specifically identified the alleged shooter, stating, "He (the accused) is an AIMIM man," and called for prompt justice, challenging Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to demonstrate his commitment to law and order.

State BJP President N Ramchander Rao shared this sentiment, alleging that the attack was a coordinated effort by "MIM goons" to "discourage the BJP and RSS workers from taking part in gauraksha". Rao directly attributed blame to the ruling party, suggesting the accused are "doing such activities due to the protection given by the Congress government."

The political consequences are expected to intensify further.

The state BJP unit has scheduled a demonstration on Thursday at the office of the Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) to protest the attack and demand strict action against the accused and those allegedly supporting the cattle mafia.