Lukman Suleman Ansari, the 23-year-old who was lynched in Maharashtra last week, had bought cattle from a village near Igatpuri in Nashik district, but the reason behind the purchase is not known yet, said the police.
Ansari was killed allegedly by members of the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal (RBD) for transporting two cows, one buffalo and one calf “illegally”. The RBD was founded by Praveen Togadia, president of the Antarashtriya Hindu Parishad.
The Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act passed in 1995 prohibits the transport or export of cow, bull or bullock for slaughter as well as the purchase, sale or possession of such meat. The violators can be fined ₹10,000 and imprisoned for up to five years. The Act provides for the preservation of certain other animals suitable for milch, breeding, draught, or agricultural purposes.
