Bhopal: Three Arrested in Cattle Slaughter Case; Hindu Groups Protest
Three people have been arrested in Bhopal following allegations of cattle slaughter near a dairy, sparking protests by Hindu organisations.
The police in Bhopal have apprehended three individuals following allegations of cattle slaughter near a riverbank in the Damkheda area of Kolar. The discovery of cattle remains near a local dairy has ignited significant tension, leading to massive protests by various Hindu organisations demanding immediate and severe retribution.
Police Action and Arrests
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Alok Shrivastava, the Kolar police registered a formal case under the Madhya Pradesh Cow Slaughter Prohibition Act after receiving reports of remains found on the banks of a river. The investigation was launched immediately upon receiving information regarding the incident.
“Some cattle remains were found on the banks of a river in Kolar's Damkheda area. Based on the information, Kolar police registered a case... and three accused have been arrested. Further investigation into the matter is underway,” ACP Shrivastava stated.
When questioned about the fate of the dairy located near the site, the ACP noted that the police are currently coordinating with revenue officials and the municipal corporation to determine the necessary legal steps.
Protests and Demands for Demolition
The incident has triggered a wave of anger among religious groups. Activists from the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a demonstration at the Kolar police station. Their demands are focused on three main points:
- The immediate demolition of the dairy involved.
- The seizure of vehicles allegedly used to transport the remains.
- The examination of call records to identify any other accomplices in the illegal activity.
Vinod Jor, a cow-protection head for the VHP in the Madhya Bharat region, claimed that their team had been monitoring the specific location for several days. He alleged that during a late-night operation, workers caught individuals allegedly slaughtering cattle behind the dairy premises. He confirmed that the dairy operator was among the three people apprehended.
Political Reaction and Strict Warnings
State leaders have moved quickly to condemn the alleged act. Madhya Pradesh Minister Vishvas Sarang issued a stern warning to those involved in such activities.
“Cow slaughter will not be tolerated. Whoever is involved will be given strict punishment. We already have laws in place, and such an example will be set that no one dares to commit such an act in the future,” Sarang said.
BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma echoed these sentiments, noting that the police arrived at the scene following information provided by VHP and Bajrang Dal workers. He reiterated that the state's strict laws against cow slaughter would be fully enforced and promised that the dairy would be demolished as part of the legal consequences.