In an incident that turns the focus back on the debate over reconciling cow worship with civic amenities, a 38-year-old government doctor was dragged out of his Mahindra Scorpio car and assaulted by a group of villagers in Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun district after his car struck a stray cow on Tuesday, August 11, evening. The animal, which collapsed on the road following the collision, later died during treatment at a cowshed.
According to police, the incident took place in Myaun area when Dr Rahul Siddharth was driving his Mahindra Scorpio from the Community Health Centre in Usawan, where he is posted as Medical Officer In‑Charge, towards the Badaun market. Originally from Bareilly, Dr Siddharth was unable to move his car after the cow fell close to the vehicle, leaving him trapped inside.
Witnesses said villagers rushed to the spot and, enraged by the sight of the injured cow, pulled the doctor out of his car. Despite his pleas for forgiveness, he was beaten by the crowd even in presence of some policemen. Others vandalised the Scorpio, smashing its windows with bricks and sticks, and even attempted to overturn the vehicle. Purported videos of the attack, which circulated locally, show the mob surrounding the car and damaging it.
A police team that reached the scene on being alerted rescued the doctor from the crowd. The injured cow was transported to a gaushala for treatment but succumbed shortly afterwards.
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Superintendent of Police (SP) Ankita Sharma confirmed that four persons had been arrested in connection with the assault. Madhav Singh Bhist, Station House Officer of Alapur police station, said the accused — aged between 25 and 30 years — are residents of Bichpuri village and earn their livelihood through odd jobs.
Based on the doctor’s complaint, an FIR was registered at Alapur police station against seven named individuals and several unidentified persons. The charges include attempt to murder, rioting, mischief, and intentional insult aimed at provoking a breach of peace. Police have also seized the doctor’s vehicle as part of the investigation.
The SHO added that Dr. Siddharth underwent a medical examination and was found to have no serious injuries. Authorities said further arrests are likely as the probe continues.
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The incident has once again highlighted the volatile tensions surrounding stray cattle in parts of Uttar Pradesh, where accidents often trigger confrontations between locals and motorists. While police intervention prevented the situation from escalating further, the case underscores the challenges of balancing road safety with the sensitivities attached to cattle in the region.
