BJP MLC Sadabhau Khot Raises Alarm on Cow Vigilantes Harassing Farmers

Mumbai, Aug 26 (PTI): BJP MLC Sadabhau Khot has raised concerns about the challenges farmers are facing due to the activities of cow vigilantes and has issued a warning of a potential protest if no action is taken to address the issue. Khot claimed that during his visit to Fursungi near Pune on Monday, he was heckled by these cow vigilantes but managed to escape unscathed. He alleged that these vigilantes, whom he referred to as extortionists, were threatening farmers. He plans to discuss this matter with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. "There is a large lobby operating in the state under the guise of cow protection, complete with corporate offices. This is causing suffering to farmers. Should the government not intervene, we will be compelled to set up cattle camps in front of police stations." This statement from Khot, who leads the Rayat Kranti Sanghatana (farmers' organization), was made during a press briefing in Pune. In response to Khot's remarks, Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane appealed for restraint in criticizing cow vigilantes, emphasizing their role in cow protection. On Monday, Khot further alleged that buffaloes belonging to some farmers were forcibly taken by vigilantes two months ago and subsequently went missing from a Fursungi cowshed. "The affected farmers were forced to obtain a court order to reclaim their cattle, only to find them missing upon arrival at the cowshed. The vigilantes offered evasive explanations, claiming the buffaloes strayed while grazing. This leaves farmers without justice or solutions to their problems," asserted Khot. He also mentioned instances of individuals arriving in luxury vehicles from Mumbai and Pune, claiming protection under the cow protection banner. "In urban areas where cows are rarely seen, these so-called vigilantes claim guardianship over them. They halt farmers' vehicles, physically assault the farmers, and seize their livestock. This practice must cease," Khot remarked, stating his intention to bring the issue to Chief Minister Fadnavis's attention. The legislator further criticized these groups at a gathering in Sangola, Solapur district, alleging their lack of honesty and accusing them of jeopardizing farmers who are simply transporting cattle to markets. "Without a bribe, farmers are reported to the police, and if no resolution is reached, the cattle are sent to a cow shelter. By the time a court order is obtained, shelters might have already sold the cattle," Khot alleged. He highlighted inconsistencies in the police's accounts of animal counts in cowsheds, suggesting influential backing for these vigilantes and seeking stringent measures against them. "Agriculture is already a financially challenging sector for us. Cow vigilantes are exacerbating the issue with their threats to farmers. They act as extortionists. If their concern for cow welfare is genuine, they should assist in the farmers' cowsheds," Khot remarked. "We have to hire labor from Bihar due to a lack of local workers. Farmers would be willing to pay monthly wages to vigilantes if they worked in our cattle shelters," he added.