Alwar violence: Cow vigilantes and Umar exchanged fire, say police

Jaipur: The post-mortem of 40-year-old Umar Khan, who was found on the railway track on Alwar’s Ramgarh area, could not be completed in Jaipur. The family members held protests at Gandhi Circle in Jaipur against the killing of Umar by gau rakshaks (cow vigilantes). Umar’s uncle Razaq alleged that the family had reached the SMS hospital on Monday for the post-mortem of the deceased however they didn’t allow it as the police had taken no action thus far.

On the other hand, ASP Dr. Mool Singh Rana confirmed that Bhagwan Singh Gurjar alias Kala and Ramveer Gurjar, residents of Markapur area, were arrested for killing Umar while the search for four others continues. These men who have been arrested are self-proclaimed gau rakshaks. Police said that there were several rounds of gun firing between Umar, Tahir Javed, and gau rakshaks. This started from Gahankar village and lasted until Basedi. After Umar was hit by a bullet, his dead body was allegedly thrown on the railway tracks.

Jasbir Singh, the President of the Rajasthan Minority Commission, has expressed deep condolences to the family of Umar Khan and directed the District Superintendent of Police, Alwar, to present a detailed report. On the other hand, many organizations have accused the police and demanded an independent inquiry in this case. They have also demanded that the family of the deceased, as well as the injured Tahir Javed, be compensated by the state government.

According to Tahir, when he and Umar were on their way back home, they were attacked by 6 to 8 people. The driver of their vehicle ran away after the men opened fire which injured Tahir and left Umar dead.  On the other hand, the Alwar SP has stated that two cases were lodged in connection with this case. The first was lodged after the pick-up van with cattle was traced at Govindgarh while the second is a case of murder after Khan’s relatives lodged an FIR. Police officials at Govindgarh police station have clarified that a case was registered against Umar, Tahir and Javed (driver) on charges of cow smuggling.