Belagavi: A truck, allegedly carrying meat, was intercepted and torched by members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal near Kudachi in Belagavi district, Karnataka, on the night of September 22. The incident occurred near Sri Siddeshwara Temple on the Ugar–Ainapur road in Athani taluk, approximately 100 km from Belagavi city.

Truck intercepted and set ablaze

According to police, the mob stopped the truck on suspicion that it was transporting beef — allegedly around five tonnes — from Kudachi to Hyderabad. After assaulting the driver and allegedly finding the meat inside, the group set the vehicle on fire. By the time police arrived, the truck had been completely gutted. Fire and Emergency Services personnel, with assistance from staff of the Ugar Sugar Factory, managed to extinguish the flames.

Belagavi Superintendent of Police Bheemashankar S Guled confirmed the arrests and stated that investigations were ongoing.

Cases registered

Police have registered two separate cases in connection with the incident.

  • The first case was filed under the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act against three persons allegedly involved in transporting the meat.

  • The second case was registered against six people allegedly involved in torching the truck and assaulting the driver. Charges include provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to arson and robbery, as well as the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

    • Arrests and ongoing investigations

    In total, nine individuals have been arrested so far — three for transporting the alleged beef and six for involvement in the arson and assault. Investigations into both cases remain ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

    Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement and allow the legal process to proceed without taking the law into their own hands.

    Conclusion

    The incident near Kudachi highlights rising tensions related to beef transport and vigilantism in parts of Karnataka. Police have acted swiftly to register cases and make arrests, but the event underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining law and order while enforcing state regulations concerning cattle slaughter.