Days ahead of Eid al-Adha (Bakrid), the Maharashtra government has warned of strict legal action against people involved in cow slaughter, cattle smuggling, and the sale of prohibited cow meat.
Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said on Saturday that action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) could be taken against individuals, gangs, or organised groups found repeatedly engaging in cow slaughter or illegal cattle trade.
Addressing a press conference, Bawankule said religious festivals should be celebrated peacefully and within legal limits.
“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,” he said.
“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 added.
Home Department Issues Statewide Directives
The warning comes after Maharashtra’s Home Department issued directives ahead of Eid al-Adha, expected to begin on May 28, during which animal sacrifice is traditionally carried out over three days.
The state government directed authorities to strictly implement laws including the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
According to the directives, municipal bodies, panchayats, and local administrations have been ordered to identify and take action against unauthorised slaughterhouses operating in their areas.
The government also instructed transport officials to inspect vehicles allegedly involved in illegal cattle transportation and take action under relevant laws.
District administrations in Maharashtra’s border regions have been asked to establish joint check-posts with police, transport, local body, and animal husbandry officials to monitor cattle movement.
Authorities have also been directed to create joint flying squads to crack down on illegal cattle transport and unauthorised slaughter facilities.
Police have been instructed to immediately respond to complaints related to cattle smuggling or illegal slaughter through the Dial 112 helpline.
Guidelines for Temporary Slaughterhouses
The Home Department said licensed temporary slaughterhouses allowed for religious purposes must follow public health and sanitation rules.
Officials said licence holders would be required to maintain cleanliness, properly manage biomedical waste, and ensure public hygiene and safety standards are followed.
Iqbal Ansari Urges Muslims to Avoid Cow Sacrifice
Meanwhile, Iqbal Ansari, a former litigant in the Babri Masjid land dispute case, appealed to Muslims to avoid cow sacrifice during Eid al-Adha and follow the law.
Speaking to ANI, Ansari said, “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.”
He added, “Muslims should serve cows, feed them, and stay entirely away from cow slaughter.”
Ansari also urged the government to recognise cows as India’s “national animal” and “national heritage,” saying such a step could help prevent cow-related violence and vigilantism.
Other States Tighten Rules Ahead of Bakrid
In Delhi, minister Kapil Mishra recently directed officials to strictly enforce animal welfare and public hygiene rules during Bakrid celebrations.
Authorities have instructed that sacrifices should only take place at authorised locations and prohibited animals, including cows and calves, should not be slaughtered. Officials also ordered that no sacrifice be carried out in public places, roads, or streets.
