The Maharashtra state government has issued a directive to the police to investigate and take action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against individuals, gangs, or organisations that repeatedly engage in organised smuggling of cattle in violation of existing laws and rules.
Fresh Guidelines Ahead of Bakri Eid
Ahead of Bakri Eid, which falls on May 28, the state government on Thursday released new guidelines aimed at preventing illegal transportation of cattle, illegal slaughter, and the operation of unauthorised slaughterhouses. The guidelines also focus on the effective implementation of related laws.
As per the new directives, all Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Zilla Parishads, Panchayat Samitis, and Gram Panchayats have been instructed to identify unauthorised and unlicensed slaughterhouses within their jurisdictions and take appropriate action against them.
Transport Department to Inspect Vehicles
The directives further state that the Transport Department should conduct regular inspections of vehicles transporting cattle illegally and take action as per the Motor Vehicles Act.
Community Leaders Urge Compliance
Reacting to the fresh guidelines, Muslim community leaders and Qureshi Jamats urged cattle traders and community members to follow the guidelines. Imran Babu Qureshi, national vice-president of the All India Jamiatul Quresh, said, “Cow slaughter is already banned here. We are telling the traders not to violate the laws and follow the guidelines.”
MLAs Amin Patel and Rais Shaikh, who attended a meeting called by Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal on Tuesday, emphasised that the community should not violate the laws. Patel stated, “While celebrating the festival, the sentiments of others should also be respected. Qurbani places should be covered properly.” Shaikh added, “Animal traders should follow the guidelines on the transportation of animals. Slaughter should be done only at designated places or at societies which have secured permission.”
Government Resolution Highlights
The directives also require local bodies to ensure there are no unauthorised and unlicensed slaughterhouses in any area. Police have been directed to investigate and take action under MCOCA against repeat offenders involved in organised cattle smuggling.
A Government Resolution (GR) stated, “As per the provisions of Article 48 of the Constitution of India, the government is expected to make efforts to preserve and improve the breeds of cows and calves, as well as other milch animals, and to take appropriate steps or enact laws to prevent the slaughter of useful animals (especially cows and calves). The state government has received representations from various organisations regarding appropriate action against cow smuggling, illegal transportation of cattle, unauthorised slaughterhouses, etc. Since the issue of law and order is arising, the matter of preservation, protection and conservation of cattle was under the consideration of the government in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India and various laws and rules.”
