HYDERABAD: Authorities have arrested three men in connection with an incident where a cow vigilante was shot on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The victim, Bidla Prashant Kumar, also known as Sonu, was targeted after he intervened in an illegal cattle transportation operation.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Mohammad Ibrahim Qureshi, Kuruva Srinivas, and Hassanbin Mohsin. A fourth suspect, Mohammad Haneef Qureshi, is still at large, and police are actively searching for him.
According to the police commissioner, the incident unfolded on Wednesday evening near the Pocharam IT corridor. Prashant, who is associated with the Go Rakshak Dal, was reportedly called to a meeting by a friend. Upon arrival, he was confronted by the suspects, who accused him of exposing their illegal cattle transportation activities.
During the confrontation, Ibrahim allegedly produced a firearm from his car and shot Prashant in the chest before fleeing the scene. Prashant was initially taken to Srikara Hospital and later transferred to Yashoda Hospital for treatment. Police successfully recovered a bullet from his body.
A swift investigation led to the arrest of three suspects within 12 hours. Authorities also seized a country-made pistol, a car, mobile phones, and spent cartridges from the arrested individuals.
Preliminary findings suggest that the accused were motivated by significant financial losses, estimated at ₹1 crore, incurred due to Prashant’s activism. Furthermore, they have alleged that Prashant had demanded ₹5 lakh to cease his vigilante activities.
The arrested individuals face charges including attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, as well as violations of the Arms Act. Investigations also revealed that the accused have prior cases registered against them, including offenses under animal preservation and cruelty prevention laws.