| Bhartiya Gau Raksha Dal | |
| Caption: | Official logo of Gau Raksha Dal, Haryana. |
| Abbreviation: | BGRD |
| Founder: | Pawan Pandit[1] |
| Type: | Right-wing Hindu nationalist organisation |
| Purpose: | Promotion of Hindu nationalism and protection of cows |
| Headquarters: | New Delhi, India |
| Region Served: | Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh |
| Language: | Hindi |
| Leader Title: | Chairman |
| Leader Name: | Pawan Pandit |
| Website: | [2] |
The Bhartiya Gau Raksha Dal (; :) is an Indian right-wing Hindutva organisation and part of the cow protection movement. The group is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and is a member of the Sangh Parivar.[3] It provides guidance and support in the construction of protective shelters for cattle, and often engages in vigilante violence against minorities, primarily Muslims and Dalits. This organization is not affiliated with any political party and all of its members are volunteers. It was founded in 2012 by Pawan Pandit.[4] [5]
In supporting the creation of new cattle protection groups, the organisation has set up more than 32 groups in different Indian states. The organisation has vigilante paramilitary links.[6] [7] It has spearheaded a campaign against the killing of cattle, filing many complaints against those who were found to have participated in such acts.[8] A member of the group was appointed to the cattle protection state committee in Punjab, strengthening the group's influence.[9] The organisation has a ‘Gau Commando Force’ — primarily vigilantes who patrol state borders for people smuggling cows, bulls and other members of the bovine family, and also conduct raids on slaughterhouses.[10]
The organisation has been involved in countless attacks against Muslims and Dalits. One prominent case was the group's involvement in the lynching of Pehlu Khan, a Muslim dairy farmer in Rajasthan in 2017. Khan was transporting cows purchased legally for dairy production but was accused of cow smuggling and brutally beaten by cow vigilantes. He later died due to injuries.[11] Other cases include the beating of 7 Dalit men and 2 women in July 2016.[12] Despite evidence, many of the accused have faced minimal legal consequences.
While Pawan Pandit claims to condemn violence, the group has been criticised by many for policing and religious violence.[13] [14] [15]