Nagpur: A 28-year-old man and his two friends were allegedly assaulted by a group of six to seven persons in a suspected cow-smuggling-related dispute in Mankapur, Nagpur, on October 8. The attackers also allegedly snatched the complainant’s mobile phone and car keys before damaging his vehicle with an iron rod.

The complainant, Shubham Shankar Jawade, a private-sector employee from Chandrapur district, was taking his white Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (MH 34 BV 4636) for a test drive after getting it repaired at Ayub Hydraulics Garage on Ring Road when the incident occurred around 10.30 pm.

According to the complaint lodged with Mankapur police, the prime accused, identified as Syed Baba, stopped Jawade’s car and introduced himself as a Mankapur resident involved in the animal trade. He allegedly questioned Jawade about his involvement in animal smuggling.

Although Jawade denied the allegation, the accused allegedly called five to six associates to the spot. The group reportedly abused Jawade and his two friends before assaulting them with fists and blows.

The accused also allegedly took away Jawade’s mobile phone and car keys before striking his vehicle with an iron rod, causing damage.

Jawade subsequently approached Mankapur police and lodged a complaint. Police registered a case against Syed Baba and five to six unidentified persons under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the assault and the alleged cow-smuggling angle mentioned in the complaint.