Man Dies After Assault by Suspected Cow Vigilantes in Odisha's Balasore District

On January 14, 2025, in Balasore district, Odisha, 35-year-old Makandar Mohammad was assaulted and later died after being attacked by a group of men suspected of being cow vigilantes. The attack occurred after a minor accident involving a cattle-transporting vehicle. Witnesses and family members state the attackers were known to Mohammad and targeted him partly due to his Muslim identity. Police have arrested three suspects and are investigating the incident, while the victim's family demands further action.