Representative image of cow 
Karnataka

Cow mutilation in Karnataka: BJP calls it 'jihadi plot', Congress warns of hidden agenda

The incident at Karnataka’s Salkoda village, which occurred on January 18, involved the beheading and mutilation of a pregnant cow, with its unborn calf removed from the womb and the meat allegedly taken away.

Written by : TNM Staff

Senior BJP leaders strongly condemned the slaughter of a pregnant cow in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district, with former Deputy Chief Minister R Ashoka warning of statewide protests if immediate action is not taken.

"Capitalizing on the weakness of the Congress government, which is languishing due to appeasement and anarchy, fanatical forces are challenging Hindus by attacking cows," Ashoka said, terming it a "major jihadi plot involving fanatical and fundamentalist forces."

The incident at Salkoda village, which occurred on Saturday, January 18, involved the beheading and mutilation of a pregnant cow, with its unborn calf removed from the womb and the meat allegedly taken away. The cow belonged to Krishna Achari and was discovered missing after it didn't return from grazing.

This is the third reported case of cattle mutilation in Karnataka within a week. Home Minister G Parameshwara expressed concern about possible attempts to incite tensions. "There is a need to find a solution to this. I have instructed officials to take up the matter strictly. It is essential to identify those with such mindsets — whether they are affiliated with any outfits, acting individually or being provoked by someone else," he said during a news briefing at his residence in Bengaluru.

The incident follows the recent mutilation of three cows in Bengaluru's Chamarajpet area during a festival. Karnataka Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture, K Venkatesh, condemned the latest incident as inhumane. "This is not something that people with humanity would do. The government is taking this matter very seriously," he said, adding that he had discussed the matter with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

According to a complaint filed with the Honnavar police, Achari discovered the cow's remains on the morning of January 19 when he went searching for the missing animal. Senior police officials have been directed to investigate the matter thoroughly and identify those responsible for these incidents.