Outrage over Cow mutilation incident: Opposition leaders demand action

Team Udayavani, Jan 13, 2025, 9:25 AM IST

The recent incident of cow mutilation has sparked widespread anger across Karnataka. Prominent leaders, including former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, and Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Muthalik, have strongly criticized the government for its handling of the issue. Hindu organizations have also condemned the act, calling it an attack on cultural and religious sentiments.

The BJP has issued a warning to the state government, stating that if strict action is not taken against those responsible for this heinous act, they will organize a statewide protest under the banner of “Black Sankranti.”

Expressing shock over the incident, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy labeled it a “demonic act.” Addressing the media in Bengaluru, he questioned the Congress government’s governance, saying, “We have witnessed human killings, but this act of cutting a cow’s udder—a creature we revere as Kamadhenu and Mahalakshmi—is deplorable. Such a vile mindset is unacceptable. Home Minister Parameshwara must ensure strict action.”

Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa condemned the act as not only disgraceful but also a reflection of the state’s deteriorating law and order. “Millions worship cows as sacred. Despite knowing this, perpetrators carried out such a despicable act, showing the lawlessness prevailing in the state,” he stated.

BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal criticized the act, saying it revealed the intolerance of certain groups. “Fanatics have gone to the extent of taking out their anger on cows. First, Hindus were unsafe, and now even cows are unsafe in this state,” he remarked.

Karkala MLA V. Sunil Kumar expressed deep anguish, calling the act a barbaric cruelty. “Ours is a nation that believes in ‘Go Vishwasya Matarah’—cows are the mothers of the world. If society has degraded to a level where a cow’s udder is severed, we must question our collective conscience. The culprits must face action, irrespective of their affiliations,” he demanded.

Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Muthalik lashed out at the government, demanding immediate action against those involved. Speaking in Dharwad, he called the act a display of “Islamic forces and demonic mentality.” Addressing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Muthalik said, “This has happened in your constituency. If you do not act and ensure that these criminals are arrested, Sri Rama Sene will initiate a state-wide protest against you.”

Muthalik emphasized the sacred status of cows in Hindu culture, describing them as providers of food, and medicine, as well as the backbone of farmers. He declared, “If the culprits are not arrested, Sri Rama Sene will intensify its fight against the state government.”