This is a conservative estimate because many attacks may not have been covered in national media.In most cases, the issue of cows has been the proximate cause - allegations of cow slaughter, smuggling, eating or even possessing beef. In March 2016, a 12-year old boy Inayatullah Khan was hanged along with Mohd. Majloom by a mob of villagers on the mere suspicion of cattle trading. In most cases, the victims pleaded for mercy and denied allegations of cow slaughter or beef eating but in vain.The state governments in most cases have arrested some of the culprits but usually after an uproar. Several cases have also been reported where Dalits involved in flaying of dead cattle or in transportation were attacked and beaten.

Source: Times of India June 29, 2017 22:11 UTC