Over 50 people attack police, gaurakshaks in Surat’s Hathoda village

Tension gripped Hathoda village in Mangrol taluka of Surat district after anti-social elements allegedly launched a violent attack on a police team and gaurakshaks who had gone there to prevent cow slaughter.

During the attack, a cow protection volunteer, Satyaprakash Yadav, sustained serious head injuries after being struck with a sword. Two police personnel were also injured, with one reportedly suffering a fractured arm. All injured persons are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kim-Kosamba.

According to reports, late on Wednesday night, Kosamba police received information about alleged cow slaughter in Hathoda village. Acting on the tip-off, a police team along with cow vigilantes reached the village to conduct a search operation. 

During the operation, six individuals arrived on motorcycles and began arguing with the team. Soon after, they reportedly called others, gathering a mob of around 50 people who allegedly attacked the police using sharp weapons.

Considering the seriousness of the situation, Surat District Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh Gadhia ordered heavy police deployment in the village, effectively turning it into a police camp. Under the leadership of DySP B K Vanar, 15 police teams have launched a combing operation. Several suspects have been detained, and forensic teams (FSL) are collecting evidence from the scene.

Meanwhile, cow vigilante Sajan Bharwad expressed anger over the police’s handling of such cases, alleging that despite repeated complaints of cow slaughter in villages like Hathoda, Kosli, and Jankhavav, strict action is not taken. He claimed that butchers are now taking the law into their own hands as they no longer fear the police.

Security has been tightened in the village, and efforts are underway to arrest the remaining accused.