A man died and three others are in critical condition after a group of eight cow-protection activists seeking ‘Rashtra Mata’ (mother of nation) status for the animal attempted suicide on Thursday in Rajkot, Gujarat. The activists, who also want a countrywide ban on beef, consumed pesticide on the premises of a collector’s office, PTI reported.

The eight activists managed to consume poison despite attempts by the police to stop them. They were rushed to a civil hospital immediately, but one of them, identified as Hindabhai Vambadiya, died while undergoing treatment, Assistant Commissioner of Police Kalpesh Chavda said. He added that they will investigate how the activists managed to consume poison in spite of the presence of police and the tip-off they received about their impending suicide attempt.

The Gau Rakshak Samiti, which had launched the protest demanding ‘Rashtra Mata’ status for cow, has called for a Gujarat bandh over Vambadiya’s death.