Mumbai|Nagpur: In a significant move to curb harassment of legal animal traders, the Maharashtra Police has issued a directive stating that only police officers and authorized government agencies can take action against illegal cattle transport. The order follows an intervention by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who met representatives of the Qureshi community earlier this month.
The directive, issued by Special Inspector General (Law and Order) Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma, strictly prohibits private individuals or vigilante groups from stopping vehicles, checking documents, or assaulting traders transporting animals.
Highlights of the Maharashtra Police Order
- Action Authority: Only police or authorized officials can act on illegal cattle transport cases.
- Protection for Legal Traders: Those transporting animals with proper permits must not be disturbed.
- Return of Seized Animals: If animals are taken from lawful traders, they must be returned after verification.
- Applicable Law: Enforcement will be under Section 8(3) of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, 1976 (Amended 2015) for specific animals mentioned in the Act.
Ajit Pawar’s Meeting with the Qureshi Community
On August 6, Ajit Pawar met with community leaders and senior police officials, including DGP Rashmi Shukla and Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, to address complaints of harassment by self-styled ‘gaurakshaks’ (cow vigilantes).
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- The Qureshi community, traditionally involved in the meat trade, alleged that vigilantes were illegally stopping vehicles, beating traders, and filing false cases.
- They demanded a ban on illegal vigilantes, withdrawal of false cases, and relaxation in transport licence restrictions.
- Pawar assured that lawful cattle transport will be protected and no injustice will be tolerated.
Background: Rising Tensions Over Cattle Transport
Since the 2015 cow slaughter ban in Maharashtra, the legal transport of animals like buffaloes has continued. However, traders say vigilante actions have led to violence, loss of lives, and economic impact on the state’s agriculture-linked meat industry. The community warned that if harassment continues, they may resort to strikes, further affecting the supply chain.
Questions People Ask Us
Q1: Who can now take action against illegal cattle transport in Maharashtra?
Only police officers and authorized agencies can take action. Private individuals cannot intervene.
Q2: What if a trader is transporting cattle legally?
They cannot be stopped or harassed. If their animals are seized, they must be returned after verification.
Q3: Which law applies to cattle transport in Maharashtra?
The Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act, 1976 (Amended 2015), specifically Section 8(3) for certain animals.
Q4: What was Ajit Pawar’s directive?
He instructed police authorities to stop private individuals from inspecting or interfering with legally permitted animal transport.
