Violent protests have broken out across the Indian state of Gujarat after a Hindu “cow protection” gang beat and publicly humiliated four low-caste youths accused of killing a cow.

The youths were accused by the mob after they were spotted stripping the dead cow’s hide near the town of Una last Monday. Killing cows is illegal in the state.

In broad daylight and in front of a large crowd, they were stripped, tied to a car and beaten with belts and iron rods. A video of the attack was widely circulated online.