Telangana police on high alert ahead of Bakrid to prevent illegal cattle transport

Ahead of Eid ul Adha celebrations, Telangana police have intensified surveillance against illegal cattle transportation and possible communal disturbances. More than 250 checkpoints have been activated statewide, while officials warned against unlawful actions following recent incidents involving gau rakshak groups and stone pelting.

Hyderabad: With Eid al-Adha, popularly known as Bakrid, nearly ten days away, the Telangana police are on high alert to prevent any communal flare-up and prevent illegal transportation of cattle in the State.

Telangana DGP CV Anand had held a meeting with the Superintendent of Police of all districts and the Commissioners of Police across the State and directed field officers to maintain strict vigilance against illegal cattle transportation and smuggling during the festival period. He also warned that strict action would be taken against violations of animal transport and slaughter laws.

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He said 52 interstate check posts and 203 checkpoints within the State have been activated to monitor suspicious vehicle movement and enforce transport regulations. He appealed to the gau rakshak groups not to take law into their hands and inform the police if they have any suspicion about illegal transportation of the cattle.

In Hyderabad, the police set up border check posts and inter-zonal check posts at different points to prevent illegal transportation of cattle.

The DGP had instructed the officials to intensify vehicle checks, monitor cattle fairs, and prevent any attempts to disturb communal harmony, including through social media posts or public gatherings.

The cattle traders buy the animals from the weekly cattle markets conducted at different villages across Telangana. The State government had tightened the norms for cattle sale and purchase, making veterinary doctor certificates mandatory to finalise the deal.

However, despite the directions, the gau rakshak groups continue to waylay trucks on suspicion of cattle smuggling at different places, leading to a stand-off between the police and the cattle traders. In an incident at Saroornagar last week, a group of persons claiming to be gau rakshaks damaged a vehicle and pelted stones at the police, resulting in injuries to an Inspector. A case was registered at Saroornagar police station.

On Saturday night, two groups pelted stones at each other at Gudimalkapur, creating panic in the area. Several vehicles were damaged in the stone pelting. The Gudimalkapur police registered a case against people for pelting stones, leading to injuries to police and the general public, and for vandalism.