Bhartiya Gau Raksha Dal

Hindu nationalist organisation in India From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bhartiya Gau Raksha Dal

The Bhartiya Gau Raksha Dal (lit.'Indian Cow Protection Organisation'; abbr.:BGRD) is an Indian right-wing Hindutva volunteer organisation and part of the cow protection movement. The group is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and is a member of the Sangh Parivar.[3] It provides guidance and support in the construction of protective shelters for cattle, and often engages in vigilante violence against minorities, primarily Muslims and Dalits. It was founded in 2012 by Pawan Pandit.[4][5]

Quick Facts Abbreviation, Formation ...
Bhartiya Gau Raksha Dal
AbbreviationBGRD
Formation24 August 2012 (12 years ago) (2012-08-24)
FounderPawan Pandit[1]
TypeRight-wing Hindutva organisation
PurposePromotion of Hindutva and protection of cows
HeadquartersNew Delhi, India
Region served
Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh
Official language
Hindi
Chairman
Pawan Pandit[1]
WebsiteOfficial website [2]
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Activities

In supporting the creation of new cattle protection groups, the organisation has set up more than 32 groups in different Indian states. The organisation has vigilante paramilitary links.[6][7] It has spearheaded a campaign against the killing of cattle, filing many complaints against those who were found to have participated in such acts.[8] A member of the group was appointed to the cattle protection state committee in Punjab, strengthening the group's influence.[9]

The BGRD also has a ‘Gau Commando Force’ — primarily vigilantes who patrol state borders for people smuggling cows and also conduct raids on slaughterhouses.[10]

The organisation has been involved in a number of attacks against Muslims and Dalits.[11][12] Despite evidence, many of the accused have faced minimal legal consequences. Furthermore, the police often coordinates and works with the group.[13]

While Pawan Pandit claims to condemn violence, the group has been criticised by many for policing and religious violence.[1][11][12][14][15]

See also

References

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