Who is Neha Patel running India’s cow vigilante militia network?

In the realm of predominantly male-dominated cow watch groups in India, Neha Patel stands out as a prominent figure, running an extensive network of cow watchers, according to the report of Hindutvawatch. With a focus on policing the sale, transportation and consumption of beef, particularly targeting Muslim, Patel's influence is far-reaching.

Who is Neha Patel?

Founder of the Pranian Foundation, established in 2009 in Karjan, Gujarat, Patel's organization operates as a registered non-profit entity. After completing her MBA from Southern Cross University, Australia, he returned to India in 2010 and officially registered the foundation in 2014. Its mission includes cow protection, tribal welfare, the promotion of Hinduism, and the teaching of self-defense.

Patel's involvement extends beyond cow vigilantism. She serves as the Managing Trustee of Shri Swami Vivekanand Vidyalaya in Vadodara, Gujarat. Her affiliation with Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) is evident from her youth, who actively participated in VHP sermons.

However, her online presence reveals a different side of her. Patel's Facebook account propagates far-right Hindu views and promotes hate speech against Muslims. Her support for Nathuram Godse and blaming Mahatma Gandhi for the partition of India have generated controversy. She refers to Muslims as "jihadists."

Her connections with BJP

Patel's connections to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are evident in her posts on social media. She shares photos with prominent BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Patel's mentors include far-right Hindu leaders such as Vashi Sharma and Sanjeev Newar, known for conspiracy theories and cow watcher associations.

In an interview with DO Politics in 2022, Patel revealed her leading role in cow watch teams in various states from Assam to Maharashtra. Her cow vigilante activities are widely shared through her social media platforms, including Twitter, Youtube, and Facebook.

Patel's vlogs closely resemble those of notorious cow vigilantes, showcasing high-speed car chases that often lead to accidents. These persecutions result in confrontations and physical attacks against truckers suspected of transporting cattle. Surprisingly, state police are often seen supporting Patel's actions, raising concerns about the role of law enforcement.

Beyond the trucks, Patel's group raids Muslim homes and cattle barns, seizing cows on suspicion of cattle slaughter. Her surveillance even extends to intercepting auto-rickshaws and motorcycles of Muslims suspected of transporting meat.

With 82 reported cases of cow vigilantism involving the Agniveer & Pranian Foundation, Patel's role is evident in the vlogs. Each video begins with volunteers expressing their gratitude to Patel, highlighting her leadership position and her role in inspiring militant cow vigilantism across the country.

Patel's influence continues to grow, as seen in her recent participation as a speaker at the Hindu Jan Aakrosh Morcha. Despite the police cases against her, Patel remains a major player in the Indian cow-watching scene.

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