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Journalism of Courage
Days after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hinted about ‘reviewing’ the cow slaughter act that was introduced by the previous BJP government, four persons have been arrested on Tuesday on charges of cattle trafficking in Dakshina Kannada district.
The arrested have been identified as Ahammad Irshad, Jafar Sadik, Fayaz from Ullal, and Khalid B M from Manjeshwar. According to a police source, the accused had purchased four cows from an elderly woman and were transporting them in a mini goods vehicle bearing a Kerala registered number.
The police also registered a case under Cow Slaughter Act and Cruelty to Animals Act at Ullal police station on a complaint from a local resident.
The BJP-led government in Karnataka 2021 passed the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act. The act is a revised version of a law passed by the BJP when it was in power in 2010. It was presented in a bid to ban all forms of cattle slaughter by recommending stringent punishment for violators.
With Congress coming to power in 2023, there is a debate about withdrawing it to facilitate cattle trading. In 2023 (till April end), 93 cases have been booked under the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act. Many of the traders have also alleged harassment by pro-Hindu outfits.
In April, Idrees Pasha, a cattle trader, was allegedly hacked to death by pro-Hindu activist Puneeth Kerehalli and his gang. Later, they were arrested and released on bail.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said the cabinet was yet to discuss the issue and there was “no decision yet”. However, he went on to refer to the version of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act passed in 1964, and pointed out that it did not restrict the slaughter of cattle above 12 years, barren cows and other cows not fit for agricultural purposes.
Prior to Siddaramaiah’s statement, animal husbandry and veterinary sciences minister K Venkatesh expressed his concern that farmers are facing a tough time in maintaining aged cattle and disposing of the dead. He asked, “If one can slaughter buffaloes and bills, what is wrong with slaughtering cows.”
Soon after his statement, BJP launched protests in various parts of the state demanding the minister withdraw his statement and not withdraw the act.
Siddaramaiah said that there was a lack of clarity in the cow slaughter scheme brought by the previous BJP government and will be discussed in the upcoming cabinet meeting.
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