Haryana border highway crash kills cow vigilante, sparking protest during President Murmu visit

A cow vigilante known as "Farsa wale Baba" died after being hit by a truck on a highway near the Haryana border, officials said. Supporters alleged cattle smugglers ran him over, while authorities cited poor visibility and a separate truck collision. The death led to protests and a national highway traffic blockade during President Droupadi Murmu’s district visit.

A cow vigilante known as Farsa wale Baba was killed after being hit by a truck near the Haryana border early Saturday, officials said. The death set off protests and a traffic blockade in the district. The disruption came on the day President Droupadi Murmu was visiting the area.

Supporters said Chandrashekhar, known as Farsa wale Baba, was run over by cattle smugglers near the Kotvan border area. Authorities rejected that version. Officials said the crash happened because visibility was poor due to fog.

Farsa wale Baba death and highway blockade

District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh said the incident happened around 4 am near the Kosi Kalan area. Chandrashekhar and followers stopped a Nagaland-registered container. They suspected cattle smuggling. Officials checked the vehicle and found grocery items. The load included soap, phenyl and shampoo.

Chandra Prakash Singh said dense fog covered the road at the time. A Rajasthan-registered truck carrying wire hit them from behind, officials said. Chandrashekhar died on the spot, the District Magistrate said. The truck driver suffered injuries. The vehicle also sustained damage.

Angry locals blocked the national highway after the death, officials said. The blockade caused long traffic jams for several kilometres. Police and district teams reached the spot to clear the road. Some videos on social media showed protesters allegedly damaging police and administrative vehicles.

Farsa wale Baba case: police action and detentions

Police later used mild force to disperse the crowd and reopen the route. Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar said some anti-social elements tried to disturb the situation, prompting action. Shlok Kumar said four to five people were detained for questioning. Shlok Kumar added traffic was restored and the situation was under control.

Police said Chandrashekhar’s followers took the body to a gaushala in Ajanokh village. The last rites were to be held there, police said. Officials said a post-mortem would be done if the family or followers request it in writing.

Farsa wale Baba death during President Droupadi Murmu visit

Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu prayed at the Danghati Temple in Govardhan. Murmu took part in the aarti of Giriraj Ji Maharaj, officials said. Murmu also performed Govardhan Parikrama. The temple visit was part of a three-day Uttar Pradesh visit.

In Varanasi, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati criticised the UP government over the death. "Yogi Adityanath has failed in his duty to protect the Gau Mata cow, and the intimidating aura of his bulldozers has completely faded away, he said.\" Saraswati also said smugglers \"deliberately ran a truck over cow-protector Chandrashekhar.\"

Authorities continued security deployment in the area after traffic resumed, police said. Officials maintained the incident was a road accident linked to fog. Supporters continued to allege an attack by smugglers. Police said further steps, including a post-mortem, depended on a written request.

With inputs from PTI