Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule warned of strict action under MCOCA against those involved in cow slaughter or illegal meat sales ahead of Bakrid, urging people to celebrate privately and not in public spaces.
Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday asserted that strict action will be taken under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against anyone found involved in cow slaughter or the illegal sale of cow meat ahead of the Eid al-Adha (Bakrid).
Addressing a press conference, Bawankule said that religious observances and celebrations should be confined to private spaces and warned against any public slaughter or violation of law during the festival period. "State Government is prepared to take action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against anyone who is found indulging in cow slaughter or selling cow meat. On Bakrid, people should celebrate at their houses, and not slaughter on the streets or in public places. If anyone tries to do this anyway, the government will not spare them," he said.
The Minister further stated that strict enforcement will be ensured to prevent illegal slaughter activities and violations of animal protection laws during the festival.
Prominent Figure Appeals for Restraint
Meanwhile, Iqbal Ansari, a prominent local figure and former litigant in the Babri Masjid land dispute case, urged members of the Muslim community to avoid cow sacrifice during Eid al-Adha. Ansari has also formally requested the government to designate the cow as India's "national animal" and "national heritage", arguing that granting legal constitutional status would put a definitive end to cases of cow-related vigilantism and mob.
"This is a matter concerning our nation, the Hindu faith, and Islam. While sacrifice has been an integral part of Islamic traditions for generations during Eid al-Adha, we must respect the laws governing our land. Muslims should never sacrifice animals that are legally restricted. In India, our Hindu brothers revere the cow as 'Gaumata.' If we consume her milk, she holds the status of a mother. We must return this benevolence with respect. Muslims should serve cows, feed them, and stay entirely away from cow slaughter," Ansari told ANI.
Delhi Govt Issues Similar Directives
Earlier on Thursday, Delhi Government's Development Minister Kapil Mishra, during a review meeting with the Development Department, directed officials to ensure strict compliance with animal welfare laws ahead of Bakrid.
Mishra instructed officials that, in order to ensure animal welfare and public hygiene during Bakrid, permission for sacrifice should be allowed only at authorised and designated locations. He also directed that the complete ban on the slaughter or sacrifice of cows, calves, camels and other prohibited animals must be strictly enforced.
Mishra directed that no sacrifice should take place on roads, streets or any public place, and that the buying and selling of animals in public spaces is completely illegal.
He further directed that animal blood should not flow directly into roads, drains or canals, and that remains left after sacrifice should not be discarded in the open. Their disposal must be carried out strictly in accordance with prescribed safety standards, with coordinated monitoring by the concerned departments, the release said.
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