At least 11 'cow vigilantes' have been arrested for brutally attacking a five-member family of nomads in India-held Kashmir, the Deccan Chronicle reported.

According to the Chronicle, the group attacked the family in Reasi’s Talwara area on the night of April 20 with iron rods and sticks.

Meanwhile, a video of the incident on the NDTV website shows the family pleading for mercy even as attackers go on a rampage, breaking and burning their sheds and chanting slogans.

Police in Jammu said the mob is a 'self-styled group of cow vigilantes', the Chronicle reported.

The Chronicle said the victims had told the police that they were intercepted by a large group of ‘gau rakshaks’ ('cow protectors') and attacked with iron rods and sticks.

According to the Chronicle, the assailants also took away the nomads' cattle, sheep and goats as they left members of the family injured with multiple fractures; however, police said the livestock has been returned to the famo;y.

In an attempt to downplay the incident, Reasi Senior Superintendent of Police Tahir Sajjad Bhat said it was a “clear cut” case of misunderstanding and that no 'cow vigilante' group was involved, the Chronicle said.