A sessions court in Amreli, Gujarat, on Tuesday sentenced three men to life imprisonment for cow slaughter under the Gujarat Animal Preservation Act, officials said. The law bans the slaughter of animals belonging to the cow family in the state.
Sessions Judge Rizvana Bukhari found Kasim Solanki, Sattar Solanki, and Akram Solanki guilty, noting that they carried out the act despite knowing cows are considered sacred in Hinduism. The court also imposed a collective fine of over Rs 18 lakh.
Special Public Prosecutor Chandresh Mehta said this was the first case in Gujarat where three people were convicted and given life sentences in a single cow slaughter case. The three men were arrested in November 2023 after a police complaint by Constable Vanraj Manjariya, who alleged that the men had slaughtered a cow in Baharpara, Mota Khatkiwad, and disposed of its remains in a drain, hurting Hindu sentiments.
Police later raided a house linked to the men and recovered 40 kg of cow meat, animal remains, knives, weighing scales, and a vehicle. Akram Solanki was arrested at the scene, while the other two initially fled but later surrendered.
Besides charges under the Gujarat Animal Preservation Act, the men also faced sections of the Indian Penal Code.
State Minister Jitu Vaghani called the verdict “historic” and said it sent a clear warning to those involved in cow slaughter. “Cows are at the centre of Indian culture and faith. The Gujarat government will show no mercy in offences such as cow slaughter,” he said, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting cows.
