Attack over ‘beef’: Muslim groups seek strict action

Gurgaon: Concerned over the attack on a meat transporter by some vigilantes in the presence of police over suspicions that he was carrying beef last week, groups from the Muslim community have demanded strict action against the accused as well as the policemen present during the incident.
Two such groups met Gurgaon police commissioner KK Rao on Tuesday over the matter and submitted memorandums of their demand. Both group demanded assurances that such incidents would be stopped in the future and sought that the state bear the expenses of the transporter’s treatment.
Lukman (25) was carrying buffalo meat from Nuh to Sadar Bazaar. He was beaten up twice, once near the mosque in Sadar Bazaar and then in Badshapur, by a group of 8-10 men. A video of the incident that went viral on social media showed policemen present at the spot not taking any action. Till now, police have arrested four persons in connection with the case.
“The perpetrators of this crime seem to have no fear of even police. It was obviously an attempt to disrupt the communal peace of the city,” said Mufti Mohammad Saleem Qasmi Kamiat Ulama-I-Hind (Gurgaon).
Shazad Khan of Muslim Ekta Manch demanded that policemen also be booked for being spectators of the crime. “Sections related to hurting religious sentiments should also be added to the FIR,” he said.
Police commissioner of police KK Rao said they already taken strict action in the case. “It was wrongly reported in a section of media that the youth was beaten in presence of police. When the first incident (near a mosque) took place, only a home guard was present. He tried to stop people but could not because large numbers of people had assembled and asked for backup,” Rao said.
“The youth was rescued by police and taken to hospital. The cops were suspended because they c ould not guess the movement of the accused. We have already added Section 307 (attempt to murder) in the case. Police have identified all the people involved and will take strict action against them,” he added.