Alleged cow slaughter sparks tension in Assam's Silchar; Bajrang Dal issues 24-hour ultimatum

Tension gripped the Ghaniala area of Malugram in Assam's Silchar town on Sunday, August 2, after an alleged incident of cow slaughter triggered protests, police intervention and allegations of mob assault, prompting authorities to deploy additional security personnel in the locality.

According to local sources, the incident came to light at around 6 a.m. after a cow was allegedly slaughtered in the area. Members of the Bajrang Dal soon reached the spot and staged a protest, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.
 

Police rushed to the scene and launched an investigation. As part of the preliminary inquiry, an auto-rickshaw driver was detained for questioning.
 

However, when the main accused could not be traced, a section of the agitated crowd allegedly assaulted the detained individual. The mob also reportedly took one of his close relatives for questioning. Police intervened, rescued the individual and brought the situation under control.
 

The situation escalated further after a person present at the spot allegedly raised religious slogans, triggering another round of unrest. Protesters allegedly assaulted the individual, following which additional police personnel were deployed to restore order and prevent the situation from escalating.
 

The Bajrang Dal demanded strict enforcement of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, and issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the authorities. The organisation warned that if the main accused is not arrested and legal action is not initiated within the stipulated period, it will launch a larger agitation in the Malugram and Ghaniyala areas.

The area continues to remain tense, with a heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel maintaining vigil. Law enforcement agencies are investigating the alleged cow slaughter and the subsequent incidents of violence to ascertain the facts and identify those responsible.