Only police can take action against illegal cattle transport: Maharashtra police issues order after Ajit Pawar's intervention

Indian Express

2 days ago

Days after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar held a meeting with the Qureshi community in the presence of top police officers and instructed police authorities to take note of the problems created by 'private individuals' in the transportation of legally permitted animals, the Maharashtra police has issued a circular stating only police authorities should take action against people involved in illegal cattle transport.
The circular issued by Special Inspector General (Law and Order) Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma stated that many traders have submitted statements on private individuals stopping and checking when traders transport cattle, with some of them being beaten up.
'Only police or other authorities concerned should take action against people involved in illegal cattle transport as soon as they receive information. It is not legal for private individuals to stop vehicles and check/beat them (traders) up. However, if any citizen complains about illegal cattle transport, they (authorities) should immediately take legal action,' it stated.
The circular further stated that it should be ensured that traders who follow all the rules while transporting animals are not disturbed. Also, legal matters should be completed regarding the return of captured animals from traders who follow all the rules and action should be taken as per the rules. 'It should be ensured that in the case of animals mentioned in the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, 1976 (As amended in 2015), action will be taken only under Section 8 (3) of the said Act,' it concluded.
On August 6, Pawar had asked police authorities to direct district police heads to not allow private individuals to inspect vehicles transporting animals. Several delegations of the Qureshi community were present at the meeting with Pawar. It was attended by Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla and Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti along with other officials.
In a memorandum of demands submitted to Pawar, the representatives of the community demanded a ban on illegal gaurakshaks (self-styled cow vigilantes), protection to transport legally allowed animals, withdrawal of false cases and clearing restrictions on transport licences.
'The Qureshi community is traditionally associated with meat trade and is a part of Maharashtra's agriculture-based economy. Therefore, no injustice will be allowed to be done to the traders of this community and the farmers who transport animals,' Pawar said in the meeting, as per the official statement from the Deputy Chief Minister's office.
The delegation had raised the issue of harassment of animal traders by illegal gaurakshaks. 'The violent acts against the traders from Qureshi community and farmers who transport legally allowed animals has led to many losing their lives. The community is forced to call for a strike… Following the 2015 ban on cow slaughter, the transport is already limited. Now, the ongoing actions will affect the legal transport of animals such as buffaloes,' said the letter submitted to Pawar.