Watch: 24 tied, thrashed, forced to say 'gau mata ki jai' in Madhya Pradesh

Mumbai: A group of cow vigilantes on Sunday thrashed 24 men who claimed that they were transporting cattle to an animal fair in Khandwa district of Maharashtra.

In a video which has gone viral, they were tied to a rope in public, made to kneel down and forced to chant "Gau Mata ki Jai" by the side of a road.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO (Note: The video contains strong language)

Two of the cow vigilantes kept close guard to the tied up men whereas one of them took photos of each of the tied-up men.

According to PTI, there were a 100 cow vigilantes from Savalikeda village. They alleged that the tied up men were transporting cattle for slaughter.

They were also paraded through the streets on their way to Khalwa police station which is approximately 3 km from the village.

Shivdayal Singh, the district police superintendent said that the men claimed to own the cattle which was being transported but could not prove it.

They were arrested and booked under provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Govansh Vadh Pratishedh Adhiniyam and provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

No action has been taken against the vigilantes; police say the probe is still underway for allegations of cruelty against them, NDTV reported.

The 24 men hail from Khandwa, Sehore, Dewas and Harda districts and include 6 Muslims.

The episode occurred a day before the monsoon session of the state assembly.

A bill against cow vigilantism is to be introduced among others. If the bill is passed, it will allow those convicted under it to be jailed for between 6 months and 5 years with a  fine of Rs 50,000

There is no provision of a jail term or fine for the existing cow protection regulation.