Bombay High Court Dismisses FIR in Goa Cattle Slaughter Allegations
The Bombay High Court has officially quashed a First Information Report (FIR) that was registered under the Goa Animal Preservation Act, 1995. This case involved allegations against Meerasab Bepari and Appalal Bepari for purportedly slaughtering cattle or selling beef at their residence in Mapusa, Goa, in October 2024.
Court's Ruling on Insufficient Evidence
In its decision, the court held that no valid case was established to justify the registration of the FIR. The complaint originated from Roshabh Raju Mayekar, a functionary of the Bajrang Dal. However, the prosecution failed to demonstrate that the petitioners had committed any offences under either the Indian Penal Code (IPC) or the Goa Animal Preservation Act, 1995.
Incident Details and Police Response
According to the petitioners, on October 29, 2024, approximately 40 unidentified individuals forcibly entered their home, claiming to be officials from the animal husbandry department. Simultaneously, the Mapusa police received a tip about illegal meat-cutting activities at Camarkhazana. Upon arrival, officers encountered a gathered mob engaged in an altercation, demanding a search of the residence.
The Beparis reported being dragged and beaten by the agitated crowd before police intervened to pacify and disperse the group. Subsequently, authorities seized items including metal choppers, hooks, a knife, and plastic bags containing dry beef from the premises.
Legal Representation and Proceedings
The legal team representing the Beparis comprised advocates Carlos Alvares Ferreira, Nehal Govekar, Harshal Desai, and Sujay Kamulkar. On behalf of the state, Additional Public Prosecutor Somnath Karpe and Anand Shirodkar appeared in court. The ruling underscores the judiciary's role in scrutinizing evidence and upholding legal standards in cases involving alleged violations of animal preservation laws.
