Man killed for opposing cow slaughter in UP

Amid allegations of killing of a Muslim youth in Rajasthan's Alwar district by cow vigilantes, a man was stabbed to death in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur district, about 325 kilometres from here, for reportedly opposing cow slaughter.

According to police sources, 55-year-old Nanhe Ali, a resident of Lakhna Kheda village in the district, was stabbed several times by three assailants, who lived in his neighborhood, while he was returning home after offering prayers at a nearby mosque on Sunday.

Nanhe was rushed to the district hospital where he was declared brought dead. His son and nephew, who tried to save him, were also injured in the attack and were admitted to the hospital, police said.

Three persons were detained in this connection.

Police officers said that Nanhe had opposed plans to slaughter a cow on the occasion of the wedding of Akbar Ali, who was his neighbour, around a month ago. Nanhe had also informed the cops, who intervened and arrested Akbar's father and two others.

Akbar's family nurtured a grudge against Nanhe since then, the police said, adding that the members of the two families had also clashed on Saturday over the same issue.

On Sunday, Nanhe was attacked by Akbar's father and two others, who carried country-made pistols and knives, police said. Nanhe was stabbed several times while his son and nephew were seriously injured while trying to save him.

A case of murder was registered against the accused, police said, adding that security personnel had been deployed at the village to prevent any flare-up. Tension prevailed in the village after the incident.

Cow slaughter is banned in the state and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently said that anyone who treats cows cruelly would be jailed.