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Bengaluru, India – June 18, 2025
Puneeth Kerehalli, a self-styled cow vigilante, faces 17 criminal cases, including a murder charge. Yet, he continues to storm homes, intimidate residents, and livestream his actions in the name of cow protection. His recent raids in Bengaluru have raised fears of communal unrest, especially during Eid al-Adha.
Kerehalli, accused of killing cattle trader Idrees Pasha in 2023, has a history of violence. Posts on X reveal he once used an electric stun gun on a Muslim cattle trader during a livestream. Despite his criminal record, he was released on bail and briefly detained under the Goonda Act, only to resume his activities.
On June 4 and 6, Kerehalli posted videos raiding Muslim neighborhoods in Bengaluru. He claimed to “rescue” cows, trespassing private properties in Tannery Road, Ahmednagar, and Shivajinagar. Activists report he referred to these areas as “Pakistan,” stoking communal tensions. His actions, broadcast live on Facebook, have drawn widespread condemnation.
A group of lawyers and activists, including advocate B.T. Venkatesh, urged police to detain Kerehalli under preventive laws like the Goonda Act. They warned of escalating tensions during Eid. “His raids are not about cows. They’re about extortion and fear,” said activist Zia Nomani.
Police have not responded to calls for action. Kerehalli’s unchecked vigilantism has left communities on edge. Residents fear reprisals, and activists demand stricter enforcement to curb his influence.
The case highlights India’s struggle with cow vigilantism. Critics argue weak legal action emboldens such groups. As Bengaluru braces for more unrest, the world watches how authorities handle this volatile issue.
