Delhi, INDIA | A man has been arrested for sexually molesting a cow claims the animal is, in fact, the reincarnation of his deceased wife.
Rajiv Patel, 34, was intercepted this week by police after neighbor (Amit Bachen) called police after he found the half-naked man sexually assaulting one of his cows.
Amit Bachen first believed his cattle were being harassed by local dogs until he discovered it was, in fact, a man that was the source of all the disturbance.
“He asked me not to shoot. He told me he wouldn’t do it again if I didn’t call the police” Amit Bachen, 47, told reporters.
“He said the cow was the reincarnation of his wife, and when I asked him what the hell he was talking about, he said the cow had the same eyes, smell, and taste than his deceased wife,” he recalled.
“I don’t know what is wrong with him, for Hindus cow is like mother, and having sex with her is sin, but still its better than raping a women or child in india.” he added, laughing.
Professor of Religious studies at the University of Delhi, believes Rajiv Patel’s sexual assault upon the cow must be understood in the specific cultural and religious context of Hinduism.
“The man lost his wife last year and possibly was honest when he said he believed the animal was the reincarnation of his dead wife,” she told local reporters.
“In Hinduism, sex with animals is not an uncommon theme and many of their deities share half-human, half-animal features,” she explained.
Bestiality is currently illegal in india and offenders face a maximum penalty of a one month in prison and/or a fine of not more than $50, according to legal experts.
