Gau Rakshaks Attack Police and Civilians in Hyderabad's Gudimalkapur

On May 16, a violent incident occurred in Gudimalkapur, Hyderabad, when self-proclaimed cow vigilantes (gau rakshaks) attacked a truck driver and two police personnel after mistakenly believing a plywood-laden container was transporting cattle. The truck, carrying plywood from Chennai and originating from Beed, Maharashtra, was stopped near Tappachabutra around 11:45 pm by 20–30 vigilantes. Despite clear explanations from driver Sheikh Rasool and local residents, the group allegedly pelted stones, damaged the vehicle, and injured Rasool.

Local residents retaliated, chasing the vigilantes away initially. However, when police attempted to move the truck to a safer location near PVNR Expressway’s pillar number 63, the vigilantes returned, renewing their attack on the driver, his cleaner, and two accompanying policemen. At least two officers were injured, and several passersby and vehicles were caught in the chaos. Senior officials deployed additional forces and used a lathi charge to restore order.

AIMIM MLA Majid Hussain arrived at the scene, helped pacify the crowd, and criticized police handling, questioning why the vehicle wasn’t secured earlier. The Gudimalkapur Police filed an attempt to murder case against five individuals, including a local gau raksha group leader, under multiple BNS sections. All accused are currently absconding. A separate case was also registered at Tappachabutra Police Station against another group for threatening Rasool, and police are registering a case against those who staged an unlawful protest outside the DCP Golconda office.