On August 23, Aryan Mishra, a 12th grade student was tragically killed in a shooting incident from Faridabad, Haryana, that has ignited widespread outrage and scrutiny regarding the activities of cow vigilantes in the region. The incident unfolded near the Gadhpuri toll on the Delhi-Agra National Highway when Aryan and his friends, Shanky and Harshit, were pursued and ultimately shot by a group of five men who mistakenly believed they were involved in cattle smuggling.
The five suspects—Saurabh, Anil Kaushik, Varun, Krishna, and Adesh—were arrested on August 28 and are currently in police custody for further interrogation. According to police sources, the suspects claimed they had been tipped off about potential cattle smugglers operating in the area with two SUVs. They reportedly began following Aryan and his friends under the mistaken belief that their car was involved in smuggling activities.
The chase, which lasted nearly 30 kilometers, ended when the suspects intercepted the teenagers near the Gadhpuri toll. The suspects alleged that when they signaled for the car to stop, it accelerated instead, leading them to open fire. Aryan was struck by a bullet and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Superintendent of Police (Crime) Aman Yadav confirmed the suspects’ arrest and noted their statements about the incident. “The accused have claimed that the vehicle containing Aryan and his friends sped away when they were asked to halt, which led them to shoot,” Yadav said.
While the official police statement did not specifically label the suspects as cow vigilantes, there are strong indications linking them to such activities. During a visit to Anil Kaushik’s home by NDTV, Kaushik’s mother asserted that her son was involved in cow protection efforts. She recounted that Kaushik had been chasing the car, believing it to be involved in cattle smuggling. She also claimed that Kaushik did not fire any bullets and expressed uncertainty about who shot Aryan. The presence of a ‘Gau Raksha Dal’ vehicle and a cow ambulance at Kaushik’s residence further suggested connections to vigilante groups.
Following their initial custody, the suspects have been moved to judicial detention. Police have recovered the firearm used in the shooting, as well as the vehicle involved in the crime. Superintendent Yadav mentioned that investigations are ongoing to determine if personal grudges or old enmities might have played a role in the incident.
The situation has been further complicated by Aryan Mishra’s father’s allegation that one of Aryan’s acquaintances might have been involved in a conspiracy against him. This claim has prompted the police to intensify their scrutiny of the suspects’ statements and investigate any potential internal motives.
As part of the investigation, the weapon used in the shooting will undergo forensic analysis to confirm the suspects’ claims and establish a clear account of the events. The incident highlights the complex and often dangerous intersections between vigilante activities and law enforcement, raising critical questions about the role of such groups in maintaining order and the potential consequences of their actions.
The shooting of Aryan Mishra has not only sparked outrage but also brought to the forefront the pressing need to address the activities of vigilante groups and ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. The investigation continues, with authorities working to piece together the full story and deliver justice for Aryan and his family.
