Hyderabad: In a chilling account of mob violence, truck driver Sheikh Rasool has described a harrowing night of terror after he and his crew were assaulted by self-proclaimed cow vigilantes who falsely suspected their container was carrying cattle. The attack, which left Rasool injured and the vehicle damaged, unfolded late Saturday night in Gudimalkapur and sparked broader communal tensions in the area.
The Attack: “They Wouldn’t Listen”
Around 11:45 pm on May 16, Rasool’s container—travelling from Beed, Maharashtra, to Chennai while loaded with plywood and cardboard—was intercepted by a group of 20–30 vigilantes from the Gau Raksha Dal. Despite repeated clarifications that the truck carried building material, not animals, the mob refused to believe him.
“They threw stones, damaged the vehicle, and caused me injuries. Who will do justice for us?” Rasool told HN10 News, his voice still trembling. “They climbed onto the trailer, threw plywood sheets on the road, and started pelting stones even after we showed them the papers.”
The stone pelting injured Rasool and at least two other occupants inside the cabin. Multiple vehicles in the vicinity were also damaged as the confrontation escalated.
Police Delay, MLA Intervention Saves the Day
After the assault, the truck was forced to stop. Local residents gathered, some joining the vigilantes, others defending the driver, leading to a violent clash between the two groups. At least two policemen were injured during the scuffle while trying to disperse the crowd.
The vehicle remained stranded near the police station until nearly 5 am, when AIMIM MLA Majid Hussain intervened. “MLA Majid Hussain helped us a lot that night. He sat inside the lorry with us for nearly half an hour,” Rasool said, expressing gratitude.
Police eventually confirmed the container held only plywood and cardboard, with no cattle inside. No illegal activity was found.
Broader Tensions and Police Response
The incident has reignited concerns over cow vigilante violence in Hyderabad. Just weeks earlier, in May 2026, nine “gau rakshaks” were arrested after attacking a van transporting oxen for a Vijay Deverakonda film shoot, injuring a police inspector.
Hyderabad City Police had previously issued a stern warning to self-proclaimed cow vigilantes against obstructing traffic or obstructing lawful transport, yet such attacks continue to flare up.
Following Saturday night’s violence, senior police officials deployed additional forces and intensified patrolling in Gudimalkapur to prevent further clashes.
Why This Matters
| Impact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim | Sheikh Rasool, truck driver from Maharashtra |
| Injuries | Rasool and at least 2 others; 2 policemen |
| Damage | Container, multiple vehicles, plywood scattered |
| False Suspicion | Plywood mistaken for cattle |
| Arrests | None yet; COD pending |
| Area | Gudimalkapur, Hyderabad |
A Call for Justice
Rasool’s story is a stark reminder of the danger faced by transport workers in the region—often targeted based on baseless rumours, with little recourse. As he asked: “Who will do justice for us?”
For now, Hyderabad waits as police investigate the attack, while communities grapple with the growing fear that vigilante groups can operate with impunity, turning a simple delivery into a “night of terror.”
