Police in Chatra district, Jharkhand, arrested two men within hours after three severed heads of an animal were found dumped in the Baksa dam on Sunday, triggering protests and a road blockade by villagers.
Arrests and Evidence
The accused were identified as Mohammad Islam and Mohammad Ikram, both aged around 25 years and residents of Prithvipur village. During searches at the residence of one of the accused, police discovered a large quantity of prohibited meat stored in a refrigerator. The refrigerator and the meat were seized and brought to the police station, officials confirmed.
Confession and Motive
Police said the accused admitted that a prohibited animal had been slaughtered during a festival. Investigators revealed that the men feared that information about the slaughter had spread in the village and that legal action could follow. In an attempt to destroy evidence, they allegedly dumped the severed heads in the dam.
Public Outrage and Blockade
After locals noticed the severed heads floating in the dam, hundreds of villagers gathered and blocked the Itkhori-Chatra main road near Nagwan, disrupting vehicular movement for nearly an hour.
Police Response
Chatra DSP (headquarters) Sunil Kumar Singh reached the spot with a large police contingent and assured protesters of an impartial investigation and strict legal action. Itkhori police station officer in-charge Abhishek Kumar Singh said further investigation is underway and “appropriate legal action” is being taken.
Legal Context
Cow slaughter is banned in the state under the Jharkhand Bovine Animal Prohibition of Slaughter Act, 2005. The authorities are taking the matter seriously to uphold the law and maintain public order.
