A Muslim truck driver has been lynched by a mob of Hindu pilgrims in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh after being accused of transporting cattle, in the latest incident of vigilante violence linked to allegations of cow slaughter.
The killing took place on Friday in the district of Shahjahanpur during the Kanwar Yatra – an annual Hindu pilgrimage where millions of devotees carry water from the River Ganges to their local temples.
According to local reports, a group of Hindu pilgrims stopped the victim’s vehicle after claiming they noticed a foul smell. They allegedly found animal skins inside the truck and accused the driver of transporting slaughtered cattle.
Instead of informing the authorities, the men dragged the driver out and beat him to death. Witnesses said police officers stood by as the mob attacked the man, pelted the vehicle with stones, and set it on fire. Videos circulating on social media appear to show officers watching without intervening.
“The driver lost his life because of blind hatred and suspicion,” a local Muslim community leader told reporters. “This is not an isolated case. Muslims are being targeted without proof, and the police must answer for their silence.”
An eyewitness said: “The police were right there, but they did nothing. When police don’t act, it gives mobs the courage to break the law.”
Local residents have accused the authorities of enabling Hindu mob violence by failing to protect minorities. “Timely intervention could have saved his life,” one man said.
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Attacks on Muslims accused of slaughtering or transporting cows – regarded as sacred by many Hindus – have risen sharply in recent years, particularly under the Hindu nationalist BJP government.
Vigilante groups often operate with impunity, with critics saying police rarely hold perpetrators to account.
The Kanwar Yatra has previously been marred by violence and intimidation targeting Muslims, including mob attacks and threats to Muslim businesses and residents.
Police have not announced any arrests in connection with the killing.
