Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Minorities Commission has written to the government to draw attention to alleged atrocities on minority groups by vigilantes misusing the cow slaughter ban.
Wasim Burhan, a member of the statutory body, told the minority development department that self-proclaimed animal rights groups are misusing the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, which bans the slaughter of cows and their progeny, to target members of religious minorities.
He said that legally purchased animals, which are being transported in vehicles, are being stopped and the animals unloaded. In some cases, vehicle occupants are assaulted, Burhan said, adding that attempts are being made in some places to ban even animals like buffalo, sheep, and goats, which are outside the ambit of the law. In some cases, animals have been forcibly removed from homes, and animals taken to cow protection centers by court orders are later being sold illegally.
The commission said the incidents could affect the law and order situation in the state and fundamental rights. Since the incidents are happening against the backdrop of the upcoming Bakri Eid festival, special instructions and measures should be issued regarding law and order, said the commission.
Guidelines should be prepared for the entire state and sent to all police stations immediately, so that persons transporting animals legally should not be harassed. Surveillance should be increased at cow protection centers, and cases of animal sales should be investigated after court orders. Legal action should be taken against the groups taking the law into their own hands by filing cases immediately.
