BJP urges Opposition not to politicise Mandsaur incident

On 28 July, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the attack on two Muslim women in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, for allegedly transporting beef. The women were allegedly attacked by a group of 'gaurakshaks'. The party has urged Opposition parties not to politicise such sensitive issues.

Confirming that the Madhya Pradesh government has initiated a probe into the matter, Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the PM Modi-led government believes in maintaining an atmosphere of development and trust in the country.

"We strongly condemn any kind of violence against Dalits or any minority caste, be it in any state, our concern is not confined to any single state. We should also not politicise such sensitive issues, all parties should come together and fight such malice," said Naqvi.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi also believes we have to strengthen the atmosphere of development and trust in the country and not allow any destructive agenda to disrupt our motive," he added.

"I am fully confident the Madhya Pradesh government will not spare any culprit," he added.

The incident spurred the Opposition to attack the Centre in Parliament over increasing violence by cow vigilantes.

Taking a strong note of the incident in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupender Singh on Wednesday said action will be initiated against those who have attempted to take the law in their hands.

"Two women were arrested on Tuesday. The veterinary report stated that prima facie it was found to be buffalo meat. No one should take the law in their hands. If the report comes from the women, we will take action against those who have tried to take the law in their hands," Singh told ANI.

A video of the incident shows a crowd cornering the women before verbally abusing and beating them.

-with ANI inputs