A Muslim businessman named Yusuf was brutally beaten to death by a Hindutva mob in Palwal, Haryana, on January 25, after being falsely accused of cow smuggling. The 40-year-old cattle trader was transporting a cow and its calf when a group of self-proclaimed cow vigilantes intercepted his vehicle near the Aurangabad-Mitrol bus stand. Along with his driver Ravi, Yusuf was attacked mercilessly before being rushed to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Despite registering a murder case against ten individuals, Haryana police have yet to make any arrests. Meanwhile, in a controversial move, both Yusuf and Ravi were also booked under the state’s cow protection law, further escalating tensions in the region.

Following Yusuf’s death, his family brought his body to Mundkati police station, demanding justice and the immediate arrest of those responsible. According to local reports, Yusuf was a well-known cattle trader in Ghudpur village, running a milk business with around 30 animals in his care. The village sarpanch confirmed that Yusuf had no known disputes and was entirely focused on his business. His sudden and violent death has left behind a grieving family, including four children, who are now pleading for government assistance. The attack has triggered widespread outrage, with activists and shopkeepers in Palwal expressing growing concerns over the rise in communal violence fueled by extremist cow vigilante groups.

Haryana’s strict cow protection laws, enacted in 2015, have increasingly been used to justify such attacks, deepening religious and social divides. This incident highlights the growing trend of mob violence targeting Muslims under the pretext of cow protection, raising fears among minority communities across the state. Human rights activists have called for urgent intervention to address the rising tide of vigilantism and communal attacks, emphasizing the need for stronger law enforcement to prevent further atrocities. As the investigation unfolds, questions remain over the government’s willingness to take firm action against the perpetrators and provide justice for Yusuf’s family.