On October 20, 2024, tensions erupted in Jammu, when accusations of cow smuggling triggered a violent clash, part of an escalating wave of Gau Rakshak (cow protection vigilante) aggression across India. Under Prime Minister Modi’s third term, commonly known as “Modi 3.0,” these self-styled cow protectors have become increasingly emboldened, often targeting marginalized groups – particularly Muslims and Dalits involved in the livestock trade. Modi 3.0 has seen a noticeable rise in such incidents, with vigilante groups frequently operating with implicit political backing as they enforce cultural and religious norms around cow protection.
This year alone, India has witnessed several high-profile cases, including the lynching of a cattle transporter in Rajasthan and the tragic death of a 19 year-old in Haryana over alleged involvement in cattle smuggling. Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) points to a sharp increase in these attacks, especially in states with strict cow protection laws. Following a temporary decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the resurgence of Gau Rakshak violence under Modi 3.0 marks a troubling trend toward growing vigilantism.
The Rise of Cow Vigilantism and Its Political Context
In Hindu culture, the cow holds a special status, symbolizing ideals of non-violence and motherhood. Traditionally, cow protection is seen as an act of reverence and spiritual duty. However, in recent years, this cultural value has been co-opted by vigilante groups to justify aggression against those accused of harming or trafficking cows. What was once a religious and cultural sentiment has transformed into a tool for enforcing social hierarchies and targeting vulnerable communities.
Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, rose to power in 2014, cow-related violence has visibly increased. The BJP’s emphasis on Hindu cultural identity and cow protection has indirectly empowered vigilante groups, especially as some political leaders have made statements reinforcing the sanctity of the cow or advocating for stricter cow protection laws. This rhetoric, even if not intended as a call to action, has legitimized vigilante activities.
A 2019 Human Rights Watch report noted that cow protection-related violence surged after the BJP’s initial rise to power, with attacks often going unpunished and law enforcement responses remaining inconsistent. In many instances, investigations have been delayed or victims inadequately protected, reinforcing a perception of impunity. The lack of accountability not only undermines the rule of law but also emboldens vigilante groups, fostering an environment where mob justice is seen as acceptable or even necessary.
This phenomenon can be described as “majoritarian pacification” – a paradoxical justification of force to maintain cultural “peace” and social order. Much like “bulldozer justice” seen in other parts of India, cow vigilantism operates under the belief that the majority has a duty to enforce cultural purity and harmony. In this view, punitive actions against minorities are framed as protective rather than aggressive, suggesting that societal order justifies circumventing formal justice. This normalization of vigilante actions risks embedding a broader acceptance of mob rule over due process, particularly when targeted at marginalized communities.
Recent Incidents and Social Media’s Role in Escalating Vigilantism
Across multiple states, incidents of cow vigilantism continue to make headlines. These attacks often target individuals involved in cattle transportation or those suspected of cow slaughter. Rather than being isolated events, these attacks reflect a growing trend of mob justice, where accusations alone are enough to spark violence. Data from human rights organizations show that the majority of these incidents occur in rural and semi-urban areas, where traditional beliefs about cow sanctity are particularly strong, and vigilante groups can operate with minimal oversight.
Social media has significantly fueled the rise in cow vigilante violence. Platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook have become hubs for spreading misinformation, rumors, and inflammatory content about alleged cow smuggling. False reports or exaggerated claims about cow slaughter can quickly gain traction, sparking real-world violence. Videos of vigilante actions, often framed as “heroic rescues” of cows, circulate widely, portraying these attackers as defenders of Hindu values. This viral content perpetuates a cycle where vigilante violence is not only normalized but also valorized, as perpetrators receive praise and support for their actions.
Perpetrators document and share their actions publicly, creating a spectacle that reinforces a sense of impunity. By recording and posting these acts, vigilantes send a message that they operate above the law, emboldening others to follow suit. The sensationalism surrounding these incidents contributes to an environment where mob justice is seen as a legitimate form of law enforcement, raising serious concerns about the broader impact on societal norms and legal accountability.
Strain on Community Relations and Democratic Values
The rise of cow vigilantism has impacted not only individuals but also strained community relations and eroded trust across religious and social groups. In many regions, Muslim and Dalit families have altered their daily routines, limited their interactions with other communities, or even changed their dietary practices to avoid suspicion and harassment. This climate of fear and self-censorship is particularly concerning in a democratic society that prides itself on freedom and equality for all citizens.
Human rights organizations in India and abroad have strongly condemned cow vigilantism, calling on the government to uphold the rule of law and protect all citizens. However, inconsistent responses from law enforcement and minimal legal action against perpetrators reveal systemic issues. In many cases, the victims of vigilante attacks face criminal charges themselves, while the attackers go unpunished. This accountability gap not only raises questions about justice but also challenges India’s commitment to secularism and equality under the law.
Prime Minister Modi’s administration has largely refrained from directly addressing vigilante violence – a stance that critics argue indirectly emboldens these groups. Cow protection remains a key theme within the BJP’s platform, resonating strongly with rural Hindu voters who see cow reverence as part of their cultural identity. This silence allows groups to operate in a legal gray area. Although Modi has recently condemned violence in public statements, the party itself maintains close ties with these networks, providing tacit support that reinforces their influence in rural communities.
The political calculus behind this stance reflects a deeper dilemma within Indian society. On one hand, there is a need to respect cultural beliefs and protect the status of the cow within Hindu society. On the other hand, this reverence is increasingly weaponized as a tool of exclusion and marginalization, undermining democratic and secular principles. The government’s reluctance to take a decisive stance on cow vigilantism reflects an ongoing tension between upholding cultural values and protecting individual rights.
The Way Forward
In response to rising concerns, some state governments, particularly those led by opposition parties, have begun proposing stricter laws to combat mob violence and successfully prosecuting cases. These laws aim to curb vigilantism by enforcing stronger penalties for mob-related crimes and establishing mechanisms for faster investigations. However, in an environment where right-wing sentiments are growing, the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain. Without a comprehensive, nationwide policy and stronger law enforcement, these state-level efforts may have limited impact in addressing the root causes of cow vigilantism.
The persistence of cow vigilantism highlights the complex intersection of cultural reverence, political manipulation, and social tension in India. As violent incidents continue to surface, the government faces a critical decision: whether to take concrete action to protect all citizens or to remain silent, implicitly condoning the actions of those who use violence to impose their beliefs. In a country celebrated for its diversity and pluralism, the challenges posed by cow vigilantism underscore a pivotal moment for India’s democratic ethos. The issue demands urgent attention and thoughtful intervention to restore justice, protect vulnerable communities, and promote harmony among India’s many religious and cultural groups.
The consequences of cow vigilantism reach far beyond the victims themselves, impacting the broader social fabric and democratic integrity of India. Failure to confront this issue risks normalizing mob violence as an acceptable response to perceived cultural offenses, setting a dangerous precedent for the rule of law. As India seeks to establish itself on the world stage as a robust democracy with equal rights for all, addressing the rise of cow vigilantism and reaffirming the principles of secularism and justice are crucial steps toward a more inclusive society.
Cover photo: A motorist rides past a woman leading her cows along a road in Mumbai on March 7, 2024. (Photo by Indranil Mukherjee / AFP)
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to see and interact with our latest contents.
If you like our stories, events, publications and dossiers, sign up for our newsletter (twice a month).