In the brightly lit New Industrial Township (NIT-5) market in Faridabad, Haryana, a stark contrast exists. On the fourth floor of a building, a family mourns the loss of their son, Aryan Mishra, who was shot dead on August 23rd. A poster, featuring a smiling Aryan, hangs from the partially painted terrace, demanding justice for his untimely demise.
The 20-year-old Aryan was traveling in a red SUV with the Gulatis, his landlord’s family, after enjoying a late-night snack. According to the police, five men, most in their 20s, mistook Aryan for a cattle smuggler and chased the car for 30 kilometers before firing at him. These five men, self-proclaimed “gau rakshaks” (cow vigilantes), belonged to an organization called Live For Nation (LFN), dedicated to “saving cows.”
After a five-day investigation, the police arrested all five men, including LFN founder Anil Kaushik, and his aides, Saurabh, Kishan, Varun, and Adesh. Siyanand Mishra, Aryan’s devastated father, described his son as a bright young man pursuing an intermediate course while helping the family financially through mobile phone repairs and bike taxi services. He was shattered by the loss of his “youngest and brightest child.”
The murder of Aryan Mishra has brought renewed attention to the issue of cow vigilantes in India. The Haryana Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Act, 2015, prohibits the slaughter and trafficking of cows and sale of beef in the state, with violators facing up to 10 years in prison. However, the killing of other cattle, such as buffaloes, remains legal.
Days after Aryan’s death, another migrant worker from West Bengal was killed by alleged cow vigilantes in Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, on suspicion of eating beef. This incident further highlights the alarming trend of vigilantism and its deadly consequences.
Anil Kaushik, the main accused in the Aryan murder case, lives in Parvatiya colony, a locality characterized by poverty and unemployment. A gold medallist from Rohtak University with an MBA, Kaushik lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to his brother, Sunil. Haryana’s unemployment rate in the 15-29 age group was a staggering 17.5% in 2022-23, significantly higher than the national average. This economic hardship has fuelled a sense of frustration and desperation, making individuals susceptible to extremist ideologies.
Kaushik, a charismatic figure with a strong online presence, used social media platforms to showcase his vigilante activities. His Facebook page, with over 10,000 followers, is filled with videos depicting him rescuing cows from drains, chasing alleged cow smugglers, and even posing with a gun. He often sought donations for LFN, with donation boxes present in shops around Parvatiya colony.
Kaushik’s mother, Rajesh Devi, claimed that her son had mistaken Aryan for a cow smuggler and could “never kill anyone who was innocent.” Sunil, grappling with the death of his wife and his brother’s arrest, defended his brother, arguing that those who criticize cow vigilantes are hypocritical.
However, Kaushik’s neighbor, Hawa Singh Rathi, questioned his genuine concern for cows, noting that he had never kept a cow as a pet. This raises doubts about the true intentions behind his vigilante activities.
LFN, despite its dubious methods, enjoys a degree of support in Parvatiya colony. Sushil Kumar, a former member of LFN, describes the organization as “very popular” and claims its members are “respected among locals.” He attributes his withdrawal from the group to his family’s concern about his safety, highlighting the risk involved in vigilante activities.
The case of Aryan Mishra’s murder serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of vigilantism. It underscores the need for a robust legal framework to address this growing problem, which is fueled by a complex interplay of religious beliefs, political agendas, and economic hardship. The tragedy also raises concerns about the role of social media in promoting and justifying violence, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness and accountability.
As the investigation continues, the families of both Aryan and the accused struggle to come to terms with the devastating consequences of this tragic incident. The quest for justice is ongoing, but the scar left by the murder of Aryan Mishra will likely remain etched in the fabric of the community, a stark reminder of the dangers of prejudice and vigilantism in a society struggling with its identity.
