'Disgusted' Virat Kohli calls Shaktiman's attackers 'cowards', wants strongest action against guilty

New Delhi: India's limited-overs cricket vice-captain Virat Kohli on Friday expressed his anguish at the treatment meted out to horse 'Shaktiman' by anti-government protestors in Dehradun.

Kohli stated that he was shocked and disgusted at the unprovoked attack on the animal, terming the act as cowardly.

He went on to add that strong and swift action must be initiated against those guilty.

Virat took to social micro-blogging site Twitter to share his sentiments.

Hope strongest and swiftest action is taken soon! Let's all pray for Shaktiman (2/2) — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 18, 2016

This is not the first time the stylish right-hander has voiced his opinion in a matter of this nature. Kohli often shares pictures of animals and even requests his fans and followers to adopt a noise-free Diwali.

I share this picture because i love the compassion and the pure love that animals possess and how they are unbothered by the world. Too many people nowadays days are busy trolling and making fun of people and i think most have forgotten the meaning of humanity and respect. If only we could learn from these beautiful creatures who we share the planet with and learn to be secure and do something about or lives rather than sitting at home and waiting to bring others down. I feel bad for those who do these things and i give more power and strength to those with a vision in life. Good day to everyone #makeyourlifecount

A photo posted by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) on Mar 5, 2016 at 11:12pm PST

Here r @imVkohli & Bruno spreadin a key & v significant msg. B compassionate & do d ry8 thing dis Diwali. #PAWsitivehttps://t.co/ym1ZNQR2Lx — Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) November 10, 2015

Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Ganesh Joshi, who is accused of allegedly attacking horse 'Shaktimaan' during a protest by his party workers recently, was on Friday arrested by the Dehradun police.

'Shaktiman', a well-trained horse which was part of Uttarakhand Mounted Police for years, was allegedly attacked by Joshi during the march. 

The animal suffered fractures in one of his hind legs during the protest.

An FIR was lodged at Nehru Colony Police Station against Joshi and his associates. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat had also expressed concern over the horse's condition.