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The tragic death of Aryan Mishra, a 12th-grade student in Faridabad, Haryana, highlights the dangerous consequences of vigilante violence in India. On August 23, 2023, Mishra was returning home with four others after enjoying snacks when their Duster SUV was targeted by a group of cow vigilantes. The vigilantes, operating on a tip-off about suspected cow smugglers traveling in SUVs, mistook Mishra's vehicle for that of the alleged smugglers.
The encounter started with a chilling escalation. After the vigilantes signaled Mishra's driver, Harshit Singh, to stop on an isolated stretch near Gadpuri, he refused. This triggered a high-speed chase stretching approximately 50 kilometers along the Delhi-Agra National Highway. The vigilantes, who were allegedly associated with a cow protection group, pursued the SUV relentlessly. The chase ended in a horrifying tragedy, with Mishra being fatally shot twice, once in the neck and once in the chest.
The police investigation revealed that the vigilantes' mistaken identity fueled the violent confrontation. Harshit Singh, embroiled in an ongoing feud, and another passenger, Sanki, who had been booked for attempted murder on August 14th, misconstrued the situation. Harshit feared being targeted due to the feud, while Sanki believed the police were attempting an undercover arrest. This perceived threat led Harshit to accelerate the car, initiating the chase. The vigilantes, convinced that the occupants of the SUV were smugglers capable of retaliating with gunfire, opened fire on the vehicle. Mishra, seated next to the driver, was struck in the neck, shattering the rear window. After the car came to a halt, the vigilantes fired again, this time hitting Mishra in the chest. The remaining passengers raised their hands, and the vigilantes, upon seeing two women in the vehicle, realized their fatal error and fled.
The police swiftly apprehended Anil Kaushik, Varun Kumar, Krishan Singh, and Adesh Singh, the perpetrators of this heinous crime. The investigation revealed the use of an illegal firearm by the vigilantes, who were later remanded to judicial custody. They are facing charges of murder. The vehicle and weapon used in the crime were recovered. CCTV footage from the Gadpuri toll plaza confirmed the vigilantes' pursuit of Mishra's car.
This incident underscores the gravity of cow vigilantism, a growing menace in India. Driven by extremist ideology and often operating with impunity, these groups have created a climate of fear and violence. They target individuals, often based on unfounded suspicions and prejudice, leading to tragic consequences. The case of Aryan Mishra is a chilling reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of this violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and establish safeguards against such unlawful actions. The government, law enforcement agencies, and civil society must work collaboratively to ensure the safety of citizens and prevent further such tragedies.
Source: Cow vigilantes mistake Faridabad student for smuggler; kill him after chase