7 days ago
Telangana police gear up to prevent communal tensions ahead of Bakrid
With Eid-al-Adha (Bakrid) set to be observed on 7 June, the Telangana police have stepped up preventive measures to maintain communal harmony and curb illegal transport and slaughter of cattle.
'Police have outlined a detailed plan to ensure the festival is celebrated peacefully. Past instances of unrest, linked to cow vigilante groups and unauthorised animal transport, have prompted a State-wide crackdown this year,' says a statement issued by Director General of Police Jitender on Friday.
The State police have invoked the Telangana Prohibition of Cow Slaughter and Animal Preservation Act, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and the Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act. A series of inter-departmental meetings were held with municipal authorities, transport officials and the veterinary department to streamline certification procedures and proper disposal of animal waste.
Police have also engaged with peace committees, cattle transporters, butchers and religious leaders to educate them on the legal boundaries and consequences of violations. Known offenders from previous years have been bound over as a preventive step.
To tackle the problem of illegal cattle transport, inter-State and inter-district checkposts are now operational round the clock, each staffed with veterinary doctors. Police pickets have been deployed in sensitive areas, mobile patrols intensified, and monitoring of cattle markets has been ramped up. Dedicated cattle holding centres equipped with veterinary support have also been established.
'We have made it clear that cow vigilante groups hold no legal authority to intercept vehicles or take enforcement action. Citizens with information about suspicious transport activities are advised to contact the nearest police station. Anyone found engaging in illegal activities or spreading rumours to incite unrest will face legal action, with both vehicles and cattle subject to seizure,' said the DGP.
