Two beaten to death over cow smuggling suspicion

Kolkata: Two persons were beaten to death in Cooch Behar early on Thursday morning. They were suspected to be cow smugglers.

Till Thursday night, police arrested 12 persons in this connection.

According to sources, on Thursday morning, two persons identified as Bablu Miya (45) and Prakash Das (47) of Mathabhanga in Cooch Behar were taking two cows in a small goods vehicle which had no registration plate. Some locals saw Miya and Das with the cows and suspected them to be cow smugglers. Near Putimari Fuleswari area, the goods vehicle was intercepted by the locals.

Following that, locals started questioning the duo about the cows.

But before they could answer the questions, they were manhandled.

Meanwhile, a few persons from the mob brought down the cows from the goods vehicle and set it on fire.

Despite Miyan and Das requested to the mob to release them as they are not cow smugglers, no one bothered to hear what they are saying.

After setting the vehicle on fire, the mob started beating Miya and Das.

Meanwhile, someone from the locality informed Kotwali police station.

The police rushed to the spot and rescued Miya and Das and admitted them to Cooch Behar Medical College and Hospital.

Later, the duo succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.

Following the duo died, the police conducted a raid arrested 12 persons. Search is on to nab others. Despite state government has passed a bill to put a curb on mob assault, such practices have not stopped.