Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje issued a stern warning to administrative officials on Sunday, stating that any negligence in matters related to the protection of cows would not be tolerated. The incident unfolded in Kota, where Raje personally intervened after encountering a protest by cow vigilante groups.
Protest Halts Convoy on Hanging Bridge
While travelling from Jhalawar to Beawar around 12:30 PM, Raje's convoy was stopped on the iconic Hanging Bridge in Kota. She noticed a demonstration by members of the Sanatan Goraksha Seva Samiti and other allied organizations. The protestors were demanding dignified disposal of cattle carcasses and stringent action against alleged illegal animal slaughter activities in the region.
Identifying herself as a "Sanatani", Raje addressed the gathering and later the media, emphasizing her commitment to safeguarding "Gau Mata" (mother cow). "I am a Sanatani. Any laxity by officials in the protection of cows will not be tolerated," she declared firmly.
Allegations of Illegal Slaughter and Official Apathy
The protestors presented their grievances directly to the senior BJP leader. They alleged that dead cows in Kota were not being cremated with proper respect. In a more serious accusation, they claimed that under the pretext of disposing of carcasses, live cattle were being illegally slaughtered and their meat sold in the market.
Raje expressed her dissatisfaction with the administrative response. "Gau rakshaks are protesting but officers are not listening. The public is alert, the officials are sluggish. This cannot continue," she stated. She highlighted that people had been raising their voices since December 14, yet no concrete action had been taken.
Immediate Police Inquiry Ordered
Taking immediate on-the-spot action, Vasundhara Raje called Kota Range DIG Rajendra Goyal and SP Tejaswini Gautam to the protest site. She directed them to conduct a thorough inquiry into the allegations and take strict action against anyone found guilty of illegal activities or dereliction of duty.
The senior police officers assured the former CM that appropriate measures would be implemented. They promised an investigation and also assured that proper burial procedures—which include covering the remains with soil—would be ensured for cattle carcasses henceforth.
Meanwhile, the traffic police reported that the protestors had blocked the highway from both sides for nearly 20 minutes before normal traffic flow was restored. Kota's DSP (Traffic) Manish Sharma confirmed that an inquiry into the highway obstruction is also underway.
Municipal Corporation Denies Allegations of Neglect
The vigilantes had specifically accused contractors hired by the Kota Municipal Corporation (KMC) of dumping bovine carcasses in an open field in Bandhadharmpura. They claimed this led to stray dogs and other animals scattering body parts, creating unhygienic conditions and public health hazards.
However, KMC Commissioner OP Mehra refuted these allegations. He stated that carcasses were not dumped in the open and that the contractors had been clearly instructed to ensure proper and respectful disposal of all animal remains, including those of cattle.
Earlier on Sunday, cow vigilantes and Bajrang Dal activists had also taken out a march in the city, echoing the same demands for dignified disposal and stricter monitoring of carcass-disposal practices. The incident underscores the ongoing sensitivity and political significance of cow protection issues in the state.
