Kota, Dec 28, 2025: A convoy carrying former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje was temporarily halted on the Kota-Udaipur highway on Sunday noon by cow vigilantes protesting the alleged improper disposal of bovine carcasses by municipal authorities. The incident caused a brief traffic jam, raising tensions on the busy route.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Manish Sharma, the protestors stopped Raje’s convoy near Hanging Bridge for approximately 20 minutes while it was en route from Jhalawar to Jaipur. The convoy later resumed its journey after intervention, with the former chief minister directing district officials to address the grievances raised by the vigilantes.

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Reason Behind the Protest

The demonstration was led by members of the Bajrang Dal, who took to the streets demanding adequate and respectful disposal of cow carcasses and progeny in Kota. Protestors alleged that contractors appointed by the Kota Municipal Corporation (KMC) were dumping bovine carcasses in an open area at Bandha Dharmpura, which they said was inappropriate and disrespectful.

Yogesh Rainwal, a Bajrang Dal spokesperson, stated:
“Angry over mismanagement in the disposal of carcasses of bovines, cow vigilantes and activists took a march when they heard that Raje’s convoy was going to pass through the route. The contractors of KMC dumped the bovine carcasses in an open field.”

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Response from Authorities

Refuting these claims, KMC Commissioner OP Mehara said that contractors had already been instructed to ensure proper and respectful disposal of all animal carcasses, including bovines. He added that a similar issue had been raised about 25 days ago, which was reportedly resolved immediately.

Mehara clarified:
“The concerned contractors have been directed to ensure proper disposal of carcasses of animals, including bovines, from the city. The allegations are unfounded.”

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Investigation and Aftermath

The police confirmed that an investigation into the highway blockage is underway. The temporary halt did not result in any violence, and traffic resumed shortly after Raje’s convoy passed. The incident highlights persistent concerns among cow vigilante groups over the handling of bovine carcasses in Rajasthan, particularly when civic authorities are perceived to be negligent.

The protest, though brief, brought attention back to animal disposal practices in Kota and the demands of vigilante groups, while also drawing public and media attention due to the involvement of a prominent political figure.