Rampur Superintendent of Police (SP) Anil Kumar Singh Sisodia has sparked controversy after stating that those involved in cow slaughter are either “not Muslims” or “haramis,” while announcing a crackdown on alleged cow slaughter cases in the district.
Addressing the media after a meeting at the Police Lines on Thursday, SP Sisodia said cow slaughter incidents reported during the month of Sawan were attempts by anti-social elements to disturb communal harmony.
‘True Muslim Cannot Do This’
Referring to Islamic teachings, Sisodia claimed that Islam prohibits the consumption of meat from an animal if slaughtering it hurts the religious sentiments of another community.
“A true Muslim cannot do such an act. Those involved are either not Muslims or they are haramis. Treating such haramis is my job,” he said.
His remarks have drawn attention after videos of the statement circulated on social media.
Police Announces Verification Drive
The SP said police have launched a district-wide campaign to identify and monitor persons previously accused in cow slaughter cases.
He said police stations have been directed to verify records of those booked in cow slaughter cases over the past five to ten years, prepare dossiers containing their photographs and personal details, and update information on the Uttar Pradesh Police’s digital database.
According to Sisodia, repeat offenders would face strict legal action.
Meetings Planned With Religious Leaders
The SP also said he plans to hold meetings with local ulema, maulanas and other religious leaders to seek their cooperation in preventing cow slaughter incidents.
He said religious scholars would be requested to counsel young people against engaging in activities that could hurt the religious sentiments of others or disturb public peace.
Recalling his previous posting in Saharanpur, Sisodia said similar outreach with Islamic scholars had been undertaken there, including references to religious opinions issued by Darul Uloom Deoband against cow slaughter in circumstances that could inflame communal tensions.
Crackdown to Continue
Sisodia said action against those accused of cow slaughter would continue without interruption. He referred to recent police operations and encounters in Swar, Ganj and Azeem Nagar police station areas, stating that police were searching for all active accused in such cases.
He added that any attempt to disturb law and order through cow slaughter or other activities would be dealt with strictly under the law.
