Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 26: The Mangaluru city police have issued a stern warning against individuals and vigilante groups intercepting legally permitted meat transport vehicles, stating that such obstruction is a serious crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The police statement came in response to an Instagram post by the Bajrang Dal, which alleged that illegal cattle transport from Talapady to Jokatte was being carried out and accused the Kankanady police of ignoring their information.
Refuting the claims made in the social media post, the police clarified that the vehicle in question was not transporting live cattle for slaughter, but rather meat legally purchased from Kerala and brought to a licensed shop in the city. The police confirmed that the information regarding the legal transport of the meat had been thoroughly verified.
The police emphasised their commitment to cracking down on illegal activities, stating, "We will catch every instance of cow slaughter or illegal cattle transport. All one has to do is just inform us." However, they also clarified the legal position, noting that while cow slaughter is completely banned and remains a crime in Karnataka, the law firmly permits the sale and transport of legally sourced meat.
Issuing a strong warning to those taking the law into their own hands, the police stated, "Anyone who tries to stop any legally permitted work, including stopping vehicles, or attacking and intimidating individuals, is also committing a crime with a punishment of up to 10 years."
The police further revealed that they have received a complaint regarding an attempt by certain individuals to intercept the legal meat transport vehicle on Monday morning. "If it is found to be true, a case will be registered against them," the police warned.