3 accused of killing Muslim for transporting cows in India

JAIPUR, India – Indian police said Thursday they have arrested three Hindus suspected of beating to death a Muslim man whom they accused of transporting cows for slaughter.

Fifteen Muslims were brutally beaten Saturday in Rajasthan state in the latest violence by Hindu vigilante groups over treatment of cows, which Hindus consider sacred. One man died later of his injuries.

Police said the animals were dairy cows the men had purchased at a cattle fair.

Police officer Rahul Prakash said three suspects were arrested Wednesday night and six others were being sought by police.

Hindus account for 80 per cent of India’s 1.3 billion people. In many Indian states, including Rajasthan, the slaughtering of cows and selling of beef is banned.