A sessions court in Gujarat’s Kalol has sentenced three men to rigorous life imprisonment for cow slaughter and attempting to sell the meat, citing Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas and Manusmriti, to underline the cultural significance of cow protection.
Additional Sessions Judge B R Rajput also imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on each convict. The men were identified as Wasim Qureshi, Mahmad Rafiq Qureshi and Asfaq Bahelim, residents of Ahmedabad.
The court convicted them under the Gujarat Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, among other provisions.
Police Seized 277 Kg of Beef
The case dates back to August 22, 2024, when police raided a house belonging to Lalabhai Senma in Jamla village and seized 277 kg of beef, valued at around Rs 55,000, according to the prosecution.
Police also recovered weapons allegedly used for cow slaughter and a vehicle reportedly used to transport the meat. Investigators said the accused planned to sell the meat to Ghulam Moin Qureshi.
Six people were arrested in connection with the case. After the trial, the court convicted three of them.
Court Refers to Vedas and Manusmriti
While delivering the sentence, Judge Rajput referred to ancient Sanskrit texts and Hindu religious traditions to discuss the importance of cow protection.
The judgment described the cow as “the mother of the universe” and referred to beliefs about its religious and cultural significance. It also cited the Manusmriti in discussing the cow’s place in Hindu tradition and the responsibility of protecting cattle.
The court observed that the accused had slaughtered a cow and attempted to sell its meat despite being aware of the cultural significance attached to the animal.
“If such accused, who mercilessly slaughter cows, are not punished as prescribed by law, the mother cows will become extinct with the passage of time,” the judgment stated.
The court said legal action should be taken in cases of cow slaughter and that appropriate punishment should follow when guilt is established through evidence.
The three men have been sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment and fined Rs 2 lakh each.
