The goons held the youths to a tree one by one and beat them up mercilessly. (Photo: Screenshot)

Three people including a Muslim couple were thrashed by self-proclaimed gau rakshaks over rumours of carrying beef in Seoni, Madhya Pradesh.

The victims allege they were forced to say slogans of 'Jai Shree Ram' by the accused.

The self-proclaimed gau rakshaks had gotten a tip off that a Muslim couple and one other youth, who were travelling in an auto, were carrying beef in Seoni, Madhya Pradesh.

A video showing the goons descending on the youths with sticks has gone viral. In the video, the gau rakshaks held the youths to a tree one by one and beat them up mercilessly as the onlookers stood by.

The goons are also heard shouting at the youths to repeat 'Jai Shree Ram' slogans while forcing one of the youths to beat the woman who was accompanying them.

According to police, the incident occurred on May 22 on Mandla Road in Kanhiwada area under Dunda Seoni police station limits.

Police also said that the three people who were beaten up have been arrested as possession as sale of beef is illegal in Madhya Pradesh.

Seoni Superintendent of Police Lalit Shakyawar said an FIR has been registered against the five people under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Dunda Seoni police station, and all of them have been arrested.

Dunda Seoni police station incharge GS Uike said none of the victims sustained any serious injuries in the attack.

One of the accused uploaded the video on social media on May 23, but later withdrew it following a sharp reaction from various quarters, he said.

However, police took cognisance of the clip and traced the accused persons.

Meanwhile, the SP said police seized 140 kg red meat, suspected to be beef, from the trio. Police also seized a three-wheeler and a scooter from them.

Reacting on the incident, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said, "This is how Muslims are treated by Vigilantes created by Modi voters."