One dead as activists demanding cow as 'Rashtra Mata' consume poison in Rajkot

One person died when a group of cow protection activists consumed poison in the premises of Rajkot secretariat on Thursday.

Three others are in critical condition after they attempted suicide by consuming poison, seeking 'Rashtra mata' (mother of nation) status to cow and beef ban across country, on the premises of collectorate.

Despite deployment of police personnel, the 8 activists managed to consume pesticides and were immediately rushed to civil hospital earlier on Friday.

"One of them, identified as Hindabhai Vambadiya, died at the hospital while undergoing treatment whereas condition of three others is said to be critical," said Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kalpesh Chavda.

35-year-old Vambadiya was part of the group that had gathered outside the premises of the Collector Office demanding that government should declare cow as 'Rashtra Mata.'

They managed to consume pesticides even before police personnel could prevent them from doing so. Former Congress MP from Rajkot, Kunvarji Bavaliya and Chairman of 'Gau Seva Ayog' Vallabhbhai Kathiriya rushed to the hospital after the incident but were blocked by protesters from entering the premises of the hospital.

A call for Gujarat bandh has been given by 'Gau Rakshak Samiti', which had launched the protest for declaring cow as "Rashtra Mata", over the death of Vambadiya.

The ACP said they will investigate how the activists managed to consume poison despite presence of police and the tip-off in advance about the impending suicide attempt.

Those in hospital are identified as Kamlesh Rabari (29), Dinesh Loriya (45), Amar Danidharaiya (35), Raghuvirsinh Jadeja (30), Vala Maru (36), Vijay Sindhav (28) and Deepak Vaghela. Police did not disclose the names of the activists whose condition is critical.