Sexual Assault By Muslim Man On Calf Triggers Loud Protests in Tripura

Kadamtala, a sleepy town in North Tripura district that borders Assam’s Karimganj district, has been rocked by protests over the last two days over a sexual assault on a calf by a young Muslim man.

Halim Uddin, 23, was caught by some residents of the town, which lies 176 kilometers northeast of state capital Agartala, while he was assaulting the calf.

According to Kadamtala police station officer-in-charge, Halim was engaged as a labourer at a water supply project site in the outskirts of the Hindu-majority town.

Around 11.45pm Tuesday (17 May), a young boy spotted Halim taking a calf to a secluded spot. The kid alerted some local residents who caught Halim in the 'act' literally with his pants down.

Halim, locals alleged, had tied the calf's snout in order to mute the animal's desperate cries. The small calf was no match for Halim, a strapping young man.

Local residents who caught Halim committing the unnatural sexual act with the calf detained him and called the police.

Halim has been charged under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

The accused hails from Kotamani village near Patharkandi town of Assam’s Karimganj district. Police said he has confessed to his crime.

The calf was taken to a local veterinary hospital and given medical aid. The veterinarian in charge of the hospital has confirmed sexual assault of the calf. The police are awaiting his detailed report of medical examination of the calf.

The calf, named 'Gowri', is reported to be in a lot of pain but is recuperating. A number of local residents and voluntary organisations have offered to help the calf's owner with the animal's treatment.

Residents of Kadamtala are now demanding that Halim be charged with more stringent provisions so that he remains behind bars for a long period. They are also demanding strict vigil on migrant labourers from neighbouring Assam.

People of Kadamtala say that the migrant labourers, almost all of them Bangladesh-origin Muslims, have been caught committing petty crimes in recent times.

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