India, March 22 -- Tension prevailed in parts of Mathura district on Saturday after a local cow vigilante, Chandrashekhar alias Farsa Baba (55), died in a road accident in dense fog while inspecting a container on the Agra-Delhi highway in the early hours, police said.

The incident triggered violent protests and a traffic blockade on the day when President Droupadi Murmu was visiting the district. Angry locals blocked the national highway, leading to traffic snarls stretching several kilometres.

Supporters of Chandrashekhar alleged he was run over by cattle smugglers when he was trying to stop a truck carrying cattle near the Kotvan border area. Authorities rejected the claim saying the accident occurred due to poor visibility.

Deputy ...