Shocking! Cow Vigilante Shot In Hyderabad, BJP Condemns Attack
Cow vigilante shot in Hyderabad — a 26-year-old man named Sonu, known for his work protecting cows, was critically injured after being allegedly shot by a suspected cow-smuggling group in Ghatkesar, on the outskirts of the city. The incident has sparked political outrage, with BJP leaders accusing AIMIM-linked goons of involvement and demanding swift police action.
Cow Protector Critically Injured
According to police reports, Sonu — who has been working as a cow vigilante for nearly six years — was lured by a group claiming to have information about illegal cattle transportation. When he reached the designated location late Wednesday night, one of the accused reportedly opened fire, leaving him with a serious bullet wound.
Sonu was immediately rushed to a local hospital, where he remains critical but stable under medical supervision. Police have detained several suspects and are verifying their involvement in the attack.
Sonu’s Family Demands Justice
Speaking to ANI, Sonu’s mother — who belongs to the Valmiki community — expressed both grief and defiance, vowing to continue her son’s mission.
“My son is battling for his life. I will sacrifice ten more sons for the cause of cow protection. He called me before collapsing and said he had been shot in Ghatkesar. I demand that the government arrest the perpetrators immediately,” she said, breaking down in tears.
Family members said Sonu had been actively volunteering with cow protection networks and had received threats in the past from smuggling groups operating in Telangana and neighboring states.
Political Reactions: BJP Demands Accountability
The incident triggered strong condemnation from BJP leaders, who alleged a pattern of intimidation against Hindu activists and called for decisive government action.
Madhavi Latha, BJP’s Hyderabad MP, accused AIMIM-linked individuals of carrying out the attack.
“This man, Prashant alias Sonu, was shot by an AIMIM goon. Those who protect cows are protecting the Constitution. If the police fail to arrest the accused, it means they are complicit,” she said.
“Prashant is fighting for his life — this is an attempt to murder,” she added.
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy called the attack “a direct reflection of collapsing law and order in Telangana.”
“Under the Ghatkesar PS limits, a mafia engaged in illegal cow transport called up ‘gau rakshaks’ and fired at them. I have spoken to the DGP and senior officers — this is the first such case in Telangana, and it exposes the police’s inaction,” Reddy told ANI.
“All illegal transport and slaughter activities around Hyderabad must be stopped. The police must enforce the law instead of aiding these mafias,” he added.
BJP Leaders Allege AIMIM Connection
Telangana BJP President N. Ramchander Rao said the attack was meant to intimidate BJP and RSS volunteers who participate in cow protection drives.
“MIM goons named Ibrahim and others fired on gau rakshak Prashant Kumar alias Sonu near Ghatkesar. This is a planned assault to discourage RSS and BJP workers from taking part in cow protection efforts,” Rao said.
“The state police were already informed about these threats but took no action. This is happening because of the protection extended by the Congress government to AIMIM,” he alleged.
BJP MLA Eatala Rajender echoed similar concerns, saying the attack was part of a “larger pattern of targeted violence.”
“This is not the first such attack. These gau rakshaks are being systematically targeted. A goon named Ibrahim fired at Prashant — the state must act now,” he said.
Police Investigation Underway
Authorities have registered a case under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and Arms Act, confirming that one suspect has been detained. Forensic teams have recovered a bullet casing from the site, and police are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby locations.
Senior officials from the Rachakonda Commissionerate are personally supervising the probe. “We are verifying claims of organized smuggling activity in the region,” said a senior police officer.
Cow Vigilantism in Telangana: Context
Telangana has witnessed sporadic clashes between cow vigilante groups and cattle transporters in the past, though this is the first reported shooting incident of its kind. Cow protection organizations have long demanded tighter enforcement of the Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, alleging weak implementation and poor coordination between districts.
Sonu’s shooting has reignited debates over law enforcement, religious tensions, and cow protection politics in southern India.
