Bhartiya Gau Raksha Dal
Hindu nationalist organisation in India From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hindu nationalist organisation in India From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Bhartiya Gau Raksha Dal (lit. 'Indian Cow Protection Organisation'; abbr.:BGRD) is an Indian right-wing Hindutva organisation and part of the cow protection movement. The group is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh 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. This organization is not affiliated with any political party and all of its members are volunteers. It was founded in 2012 by Pawan Pandit.[4][5]
Official logo of Gau Raksha Dal, Haryana. | |
| Abbreviation | BGRD |
|---|---|
| Formation | 24 August 2012 |
| Founder | Pawan Pandit[1] |
| Type | Right-wing Hindu nationalist organisation |
| Purpose | Promotion of Hindu nationalism and protection of cows |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
Region served | Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh |
Official language | Hindi |
Chairman | Pawan Pandit[1] |
| Website | Official website [2] |
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]
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.
