Third Muslim man dies in hospital after attack over suspected cattle smuggling

A 23-year-old Muslim man passed away in the DKS Super Speciality Hospital in Raipur District in India’s Chhattisgarh State on 18 June, eleven days after he and two others are believed to have been violently beaten by a mob over suspected cattle smuggling.

Saddam Qureshi and cousins Chand Miyan, 23, and Guddu Khan, 35, were attacked in the early hours of 7 June as they were transporting cattle from Mahasamund in Chhattisgarh to a cattle market in neighbouring Odisha State. Mr Miyan was found dead at the scene, and the two others were taken to the Mahasamund District Hospital where Mr Khan succumbed to his injuries.

Mr Qureshi had suffered severe head injuries and multiple fractures to his ribs, spine, pelvis and shoulders. Police were unable to record his statement as he remained in a coma until his passing on 18 June, having been moved from the Mahasamund District Hospital to the DKS Super Speciality Hospital on 17 June. There were no other witnesses.

Police have appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the case, but no arrests have been made yet.

CSW’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: ‘CSW is deeply saddened by news of the passing of Saddam Qureshi and we extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. We continue to call for a swift and extensive investigation into these murders, and insist that the authorities must do all in their power to bring the perpetrators to justice and end the culture of impunity that emboldens extremists and vigilantes to terrorise members of the Muslim community.’

Notes to Editors:

1. The slaughter of cows and possession or consumption of cow meat is illegal in several states across India. In Chhattisgarh, violation of this can lead to up to seven years’ imprisonment. There have been several instances in recent years in which Hindu nationalists have taken this law into their own hands and attacked or killed Muslims who were found to have violated or suspected to have violated this law.
2. Under Section 37 of The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, Special Investigation Teams (SIT) are temporary bodies that can be set up by an organ of the state to investigate an issue or grievance that may lead to the prosecution of offences arising out of a violation of human rights.