Hindu teen killed by cow vigilantes in India during chase

In a tragic incident in Faridabad, a Hindu teenager named Shankey Mishra was killed by cow vigilantes who mistakenly believed he was Muslim. The chase began when a car with flashing lights attempted to stop Mishra's vehicle, leading to a 40-kilometer pursuit. The involvement of cow vigilantes, who are part of a right-wing Hindu militia, highlights the growing tensions surrounding cow protection in India, particularly against the backdrop of rising Hindu nationalism under Prime Minister Modi's government. This incident is part of a disturbing trend, as nearly 50 cow-related lynchings of Muslim men have been reported since Modi took office in 2014, often targeting vulnerable individuals without any evidence of wrongdoing. The killing of Mishra, a Hindu, by fellow Hindus raises questions about the nature of identity and violence in contemporary India, where the act of killing is increasingly normalized, especially against perceived threats to Hindu identity. The aftermath of this incident has left families grieving and communities divided, as the cycle of violence continues to perpetuate fear and uncertainty among marginalized groups, particularly Muslims. The case has drawn attention to the complicity of political entities, as some cow vigilantes have received support from political parties, further entrenching the divide in Indian society.