Small traders running fertiliser, vegetables, flowers, fruit shops, hardware outlets, and hotels in the main areas of the town, including the bus terminal, shut down their shops. However, the educational institutes, banks, and government offices functioned as usual. Bus services also operated normally, though passenger turnout was low.

The protesters gathered at the bus terminal circle and took out a rally on the main streets of the town and raised slogans. Later, they held an public meeting at Shiralakoppa Circle.

'Country's identity'

Addressing the protesters, MP B Y Raghavendra said cows held a sacred place in the country's culture and identity. An illegal cow smuggling network is actively operating in Sagar, Hosanagar and Sorab taluks of the district. Despite complaints being lodged with the police, no action has been taken, he alleged.

He urged the police to conduct an impartial investigation into the incidents and take strict legal action against those involved in anti-social activities.

Fatal attack

Vishwa Hindu Parishad divisional co-ordinator Rajesh Goudru said a fatal attack was carried out with maces on activists who had gone to prevent the illegal smuggling of cows from
Hosanagar taluk. The government should stop filing cases against cow vigilantes, and the district administration and police should perform their duties without becoming puppets of ministers.

The police had issued a notice to Sharan Pumpwell, who was scheduled to address the gathering. Sagar District Unit President Pratima Jogi and Devaraj Aralehalli spoke on the occasion.