Virat Kohli expresses shock and disgust over Shaktiman attack

India’s star batsman Virat Kohli has expressed shock and disgust over the attack on police horse Shaktiman. The horse has lost its leg after being beaten during a BJP protest in Dehradun on Monday. Sharing his concern, Kohli tweeted: “Shocked & disgusted at the unprovoked attack on a beautiful, harmless animal. Nothing more cowardly.” BJP lawmaker Ganesh Joshi and another party worker have been arrested for animal cruelty.

An outpouring of support and sympathy has been seen for Shaktiman in the four days since it was seen in visuals on TV dragging a mangled and bloodied hind leg at the protest at Uttarakhand’s Dehradun. Last night, after its leg was amputated, the hashtag #prayforShaktiman started trending.

Hope strongest and swiftest action is taken soon! Let's all pray for Shaktiman (2/2)

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 18, 2016

The 14-year-old horse fell after its rider, a policeman, was dragged down by a BJP worker who pulled at its reins. The horse stood on a prosthetic limb last night after an emergency amputation which doctors said was essential to save his life. Shaktiman has been a part of police ceremonial parades since it was a three-year-old colt. Doctors say it may never walk or run like before. Some activists suggest it may be more humane not to prolong its pain. Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Harish Rawat also expressed concern over the horse’s condition.

Meanwhile, Kohli and his team will face a charged up Pakistan tomorrow. The visitors will search for their first win against India in an ICC World Cup event when the arch-rivals clash at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. Both India and Pakistan have won the T20 World Cup once before but no team has ever won at home.