Bhartiya Gau Raksha Dal

The Bhartiya Gau Raksha Dal (; :) is an Indian right-wing Hindutva militant organisation. Involved in the cow protection movement, the group is affiliated with the right-wing Hindutva paramilitary organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and is a member of the Sangh Parivar. Founded in 2012 by Pawan Pandit, the BGRD regularly engages in cow vigilante violence against minorities, primarily Muslims and Dalits.

History Background

The cow is regarded as sacred in Hinduism. However, in modern India, the promotion of cow protection, through the cow protection movement, arises more from the exclusivist and antagonistic, Hindu fundamentalist, and caste-based aspects of Hindutva, a Hindu nationalist ideology, than from the principle of ahimsa () or genuine religious devotion.

Establishment The BGRD was established by Pawan Pandit in 2012. Its members, known as "Gau Rakshaks", are predominantly Brahmins. In 2015, a member of the group was appointed to the cattle protection state committee in Punjab, strengthening the group's influence.

Activities A vigilante paramilitary organisation, the BGRD has a Gau Commando Force, involving vigilantes patrolling state borders for people smuggling cows and conducting raids on slaughterhouses. The organisation is regularly involved in anti-Muslim and anti-Dalit violence. Despite credible evidence, many of the accused have faced minimal legal consequences. Furthermore, the police often coordinates and works with the group. The group itself has been criticised by many for its engagement in vigilante policing.

Bhartiya Gau Raksha Dal

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