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The Print
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Maharashtra's cattle trade comes to near standstill as traders allege ‘free rein' to gau rakshaks
But it has been getting worse with each passing year, especially during Bakra-Eid, they say. Shaikh comes from the Qureshi community. An estimated 2 lakh members of the community, who are part of the cattle trade in Maharashtra, have been on a strike since the start of July to protest harassment by cow vigilantes. The harassment, which can easily spiral into physical assault, has become a part and parcel of their profession over the past decade, since the passage of Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, 2015. Mumbai: Hamid Shaikh is a licensed cattle trader and was on his way to sell a buffalo and three bulls. It would fetch him Rs 1.5 lakh, he hoped. But the 55-year-old returned home with bruises all over his body, no livestock and no money. 'Cow vigilantes stopped our truck and said we were taking these animals for slaughter which was not the case,' Shaikh told ThePrint about the incident from about three weeks ago. For instance, in Hamid Shaikh's case, he said he 'bought them (livestock) from Pachod (near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) market a few days ago and was taking them to Ch. Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) market for selling them'. 'I have all proper documentation for animals. Despite that, they took away my animals. They slapped me twice. I told them to not hit me since I had a bypass (surgery), but they still hit me. I was scared,' he added. Imran Babu Qureshi, national vice-president of All India Jamaitul Qureshi, told ThePrint that members of the community decided to go on strike 'because there is no response' from either the state government or police. 'There is an increase in incidents of cow vigilantes hitting our drivers, traders. That is the reason we have called this bandh.' In March 2015, the BJP-Shiv Sena government led by Devendra Fadnavis banned sale, possession and consumption of beef by amending the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, 1976, which allowed slaughter of old bulls and bullocks with permission from civic authorities. The amendment brought about a complete ban on slaughter of cows and their progeny, bulls and bullocks. It allowed slaughter of buffaloes subject to certain conditions. On 15 July this year, the All India Jamiatul Quresh (AIJQ), a union of cattle traders, met Maharashtra Minister of State (MoS) for Home Yogesh Kadam as well as Director-General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla with a letter, seeking protection from gau rakshaks. They sent another letter on 24 July, demanding the police issue directions/orders as assured to them to make sure cattle traders are not harassed by cow vigilantes. 'We would also like to state that due to pressure of such unauthorized persons/vigilantes, the concerned police officers in various villages, tehsils and districts in the state are pressured to proceed to seize such transport vehicles and animals which otherwise are permitted to be transported. This creates further harassment and troubles on the transporter and the trader,' the Maharashtra AIJQ president wrote in this letter. Members of the Qureshi community are now planning to meet again next week to decide on a plan of action. When contacted, Yogesh Kadam confirmed to ThePrint that he met AIJQ representatives and told ThePrint that there are always two sides to a story. The minister said he had already assured action against those harassing cattle traders. 'During our meeting, I told them to follow all the rules required to conduct their business as many times the transporters do not have requisite documents. At the same time, I have assured action against those who were harassing them and also asked to share their details. I have not received any information from them yet,' Kadam told ThePrint. On 14 July, MoS Home (Rural) Prakash Bhoyar told the Legislative Council that the state government was thinking of bringing in a new law against beef smuggling and also planning to withdraw cases against gau rakshaks by way of a new law to protect cow progeny. Also Read: Fodder for thought: Modi govt's cow welfare agency has been headless for 4 yrs, Rs 500 cr lying idle 'Will die of hunger' In Maharashtra, the slaughter of bovine is prohibited, and a certificate from a veterinary is required to slaughter buffaloes. This certificate needs to specifically mention that the buffalo is 'unfit' for milking and is not pregnant. Most of the 292 livestock markets in Maharashtra are now closed, barring some in Pune and Mumbai. These attract those who want to sell or buy animals for slaughter, and also farmers and traders who want to buy or sell animals either for farming or dairy businesses. The state government last year gave 'Rajyamata' status to cows and also approved the animal husbandry department's proposal to provide Rs 50 daily subsidy per animal to cow shelter operators. Members of the Qureshi community ThePrint spoke to say approximately 300-500 animals are traded at every market, each costing anywhere between Rs 10,000 to over a lakh, depending on the size, age and the fitness of the animal. They add that harassment of cattle traders at the hands of cow vigilantes has been steadily rising since the passage of the 2015 legislation. 'There is a lot of hooliganism in the name of gau raksha in the state. The police are not cooperating with us. We are all very scared. Markets used to be full of animals but everything is closed now. We are suffering huge economic losses as well,' said Aziz Qureshi, Nanded district coordinator, AIJQ. 'About 50,000 people from our community are in this trade in the entire district. They are saying we will die of hunger but think twice before going back into the trade,' he added. Community members said the bandh started about a month ago with the Nagpur market and slowly spread across the state. They also alleged that while police do not register their complaints, FIRs are filed against members of the Qureshi community instead. Asked to comment on these allegations, minister Kadam said, 'I told them to tell me which particular area they are facing issues with. Won't be happening all over Maharashtra. So they need to give me a particular area or organisation troubling them. I will make sure that I tell the police to act accordingly. But except for the letter, I haven't received any official complaint. If need be, we will talk to them again.' The Qureshi community is demanding strict action against vigilantes/extortionists and proper implementation of the provisions of sections 6 and 8 of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, 1976, and the Transport of Animal Rules, 1978. Another allegation is that the animals gau rakshaks confiscate are taken to 'gaushalas' (cow shelters) operated by the government. Cattle trader Moinuddin Qureshi alleged his truck containing seven buffaloes was taken away by gau rakshaks on 6 June and an FIR was registered against him and the truck driver. ThePrint has seen a copy of the FIR. The animals were later sent to a gaushala while the police investigated the matter and found nothing suspicious, he said. According to Moinuddin, the police then wrote to the gaushala saying that 'during the investigation, we found that Qureshi has all the documentation including fitness certificate for the buffaloes' and that the complaint was made out of a 'misunderstanding'. ThePrint has seen a copy of the letter. However, Moinuddin is yet to get his livestock back. 'In fact, now the gaushala has gone to local court against us and refusing to give us our animals … Everything is legal, we have the documents but only because of our religion, we are being harassed.' Other cattle traders too said once the animals are sent to the local gaushala, it is very difficult to recover them. 'Behind every animal, the government gives a certain amount for nourishment of these animals at the gaushalas. But when our farmers and traders are trying to get back the animals from gaushalas, they are not there. So where did our animals go? Where are they taking them?' asked AIJQ acting president Javed Qureshi. Shaikh agreed. He was told his animals were taken to Badnapur gaushala. 'But even two days back when I went there, I did not see my animals there. Don't know where they are. I might never get them back now.' (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: BJP's 'cow protection brigade' gets official stamp in new animal husbandry ministry
News18
4 days ago
- News18
Police invoke MCOCA against three held for cow slaughter in Maharashtras Thane
Thane, Jul 26 (PTI) Police in Maharashtra's Thane district have invoked stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against three persons arrested for allegedly slaughtering a cow, a top official said on Saturday. The incident had occurred during the intervening night of June 30 and July 1, in which the accused had stolen the cow from a cricket ground in Badlapur before the slaughter, he said. This is the second instance in the state in which the MCOCA has been invoked against the individuals accused of cow slaughter and related offences, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-IV Ulhasnagar) Sachin Gore said. 'The first such case (under MCOCA) was registered in Pimpri," he said, adding that this is the first instance in the Konkan range. Based on the complaint lodged by the owner of the cow, the police initially registered a case under section 303 (2) (theft) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with the provisions of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and the Maharashtra Police Act. 'The police later arrested three persons in this connection. They are presently in police custody, and we have now slapped charges under the MCOCA against them," the DCP said. PTI COR NP First Published: July 26, 2025, 17:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Quresh community outfit holds meet to seek action against cow vigilantes
Agency: PTI Mumbai, Jul 25 (PTI) The All India Jamiatul Quresh (AIJQ) has held a meeting to demand strict action from the Maharashtra government against alleged harassment of cattle traders and farmers by cow vigilantes, a functionary of the organisation said on Friday. Cattle traders, farmers and members of the Quresh community are facing harassment while transporting livestock from APMCs, weekly markets etc, claimed AIJQ national vice president Imran Babu Quresh. 'These anti-social elements are obstructing the transportation of cattle. The action of the police in these cases is biased as well. False cases are being registered against innocent cattle traders and farmers under Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act. FIRs are being filed against buyers and sellers of livestock while the seized animals are being handed over to so-called gau rakshaks," he alleged. The meeting was held to call upon the state government to restrain these groups from carrying out such unlawful acts, he said. 'We have urged the Maharashtra government to set up regional committee or appropriate authority dedicated to safeguarding the interests of cattle traders and farmers and resolving their genuine difficulties," Quresh said. PTI ZA BNM Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- The Hindu
Cattle traders in Maharashtra to launch boycott amid ‘harassment'
Mohammed Sufiyan (25), a licensed cattle trader in Washim district of Maharashtra, says he was shocked when his buffaloes were detained by 'gau rakshaks with the help of the local police' in May, while being shifted from Badnera in Amravati district to Washim. 'I received a court order and paid ₹65,000 as khavati [maintenance payment for animals in custody], but I am yet to get my buffaloes back,' says Mr. Sufiyan, adding that cow vigilantes had obtained a stay order, and a hearing is scheduled in August. Mr. Sufiyan and his father are licensed traders who buy and sell cattle for a living. 'I may have to pay more depending on how the August 11 hearing goes. I cannot even think of the loss I have to bear. It makes no sense to continue in this business,' said Mr. Sufiyan. Mr. Sufiyan is not in the slaughter business, but says he still faces the squeeze. The situation is worse for several other members of the Muslim Qureshi community dealing in buffalo and other bovine meat, be it traders or butchers, who have allegedly been harassed by cow vigilante groups, including members of the Bajrang Dal. The harassment has lasted for over a decade now, they allege. According to the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, 2015, a fitness certificate from a veterinary doctor is required for slaughtering buffaloes, certifying that the buffalo is 'unfit' for milking and not pregnant. However, community members say gau rakshak groups 'harass them' even though they follow the law. Condemning the violent attacks on cattle and meat traders and transporters, and the heavy losses and trauma caused by such attacks, members of the Qureshi community have staged protests across Maharashtra. They have also announced an indefinite boycott of cattle trade from Monday (July 21, 2025). 'Some of the traders have already stopped dealing in cattle; however, formally, we are launching a complete boycott in Maharashtra from July 21,' said Shabir Qureshi of the All India Jamiatul Quresh (AIJQ), a traders' union. A delegation of the traders' body also met Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam and Director-General of Police Rashmi Shukla, seeking protection from the self-proclaimed gau rakshaks. 'Both have given us oral assurance that action will be taken as per law,' claimed Abdul Sadiq Qureshi, Vidharba chief of the AIJQ. In a letter to the DGP on July 2, the AIJQ highlighted 'harassment' and 'loss of life and property' suffered by those who transport animals within Maharashtra and requested that 'police officers' in the respective jurisdictions be directed to remain 'extra-vigilant and control harassment' of the community. The community also says atrocities had increased after the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, 1976 was amended in March 2015, prohibiting the slaughter of cows, bulls, oxen, and bullocks. Citing the amended law, AIJQ president Mohammed Arif Chowdhary said in the letter, 'Under Section 5A of the said Act, there is no restriction for transport of animals such as goats, sheep, buffaloes and other bovines within the State, including for purposes of being butchered.' Shiraj Qureshi, a trader in Aurangabad, said traders were being looted in the guise of cow protection. 'They stop vehicles carrying cattle, beat drivers, and with the help of the police, forcibly seize our cattle,' said Mr. Shiraj Qureshi, adding, 'You will find hundreds of such cases. The police have to intervene and provide us protection.' Some of the Qureshi community's demands include protection for legal animal traders; the prohibition of illegal interference and harassment; accountability for inaction of the police and administration; ensuring smooth operation of slaughter houses; and ending violence against the community on religious grounds. The AIJQ has organised meetings with members in several regions including Vidarbha, Marathwada, and western Maharashtra. Shabir Qureshi claimed at least three lakh traders will be affected by the boycott, but said they were 'left with no choice'. 'The boycott will also impact all farmers, as they depend on the Qureshi community to sell aged animals and buy new ones,' said Amravati-based trader Shaikh Afsar, adding buying and selling cattle is part of the farming ecosystem, which will be disturbed by the boycott.
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Maharashtra to amend Animal Preservation Act to make it more stringent, launch crackdown on illegal abattoirs
In a move aimed at curbing illegal cow slaughter across Maharashtra, the state government will amend the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act to make it more stringent, with plans to double the sentence for repeat cow slaughter offenders from five years to 10, minister of State for Home (urban) Yogesh Kadam informed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. Kadam said the bill for the proposed changes is likely to be introduced in the upcoming winter session of the Legislative Assembly. Stating that cow slaughter will not be tolerated anywhere in the state, Kadam said the government is committed to ensuring that violations are met with swift and stringent action. 'We will strengthen the law so that repeat offenders cannot exploit the current legal framework. The amendments, when passed, will make provisions for harsher sentences and penalties,' he said. The announcement comes days after a police raid in Badlapur (West), where 510kg of beef and a live calf were seized from an unauthorised slaughterhouse in the Dargah Mohalla area on June 9. Raising the issue in the Assembly, BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay sought to know the government's stand on repeated violations of cow slaughter laws. The discussion saw participation from members across parties, including Amol Khatal, Atul Bhatkhalkar, Aslam Shaikh and Praveen Datke, who demanded stricter enforcement and legal deterrents. Responding to the concerns, Kadam said that the government will initiate a state-wide campaign targeting unauthorised slaughterhouses. Police officials and municipal bodies have been instructed to collect intelligence and take action against those operating such establishments illegally. The government is also examining the possibility of prosecuting habitual offenders under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Kadam acknowledged the role played by cow protection groups and certain voluntary organisations in alerting police about such incidents. He said that in several cases, information shared by these groups has led to successful operations. The government is now planning to formalise this coordination by issuing official identity cards to verified cow protection volunteers, after proper background checks. 'A structured channel of communication between police, gau rakshaks and NGOs will ensure quicker response and accountability,' said Kadam. The minister also addressed concerns raised about cattle welfare. He said that the state government would continue supporting gaushalas, especially for housing abandoned, old or non-milking animals rescued during raids. These shelters, run under the Department of Animal Husbandry, will receive the required assistance for infrastructure and maintenance.
