Maharashtra government has taken strict steps to stop cow smuggling, illegal transportation of cattle and illegal slaughter houses in the state. In the new order issued by the Home Department, it has been said that a case will now be registered directly against the organized cow smuggling gangs and rackets under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA).
The government has instructed all the metropolitan municipalities, municipalities and gram panchayats of the state to investigate the illegal slaughter houses running in their respective areas and take immediate action. Besides, the responsibility of ensuring that illegal slaughter houses do not operate anywhere has also been entrusted to the local administration.
Orders have been given to the Transport Department to take strict action under the Motor Vehicles Act against vehicles carrying cattle illegally. Apart from this, separate nodal officers have been appointed in Police, Animal Husbandry and Transport Department and their contact numbers have been asked to be made public for the common people.
Instructions for special monitoring
Joint check posts will be created in the border districts of the state, where joint teams of police, transport department, animal husbandry department and local administration will conduct regular checking operations. Besides, instructions have also been given to keep special vigil on possible routes of cow smuggling.
The government has also made it clear that as soon as complaints about cow smuggling, illegal transportation of cattle or illegal slaughterhouses are received on helpline number 112, the concerned police department will take immediate action. The responsibility of monitoring and effective implementation of this entire campaign has been given to the District Magistrates and Police Commissioners.
The state government has received several representations from various organizations demanding strict action against cow smuggling, illegal transportation of animals and operation of unauthorized slaughter houses.
The government proposal states that keeping in mind the aspects related to law and order and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and related laws and rules, the subject of protection, preservation and rescue of animals is under consideration of the government.
what does the law say
Under Article 48 of the Constitution of India, the government is expected to take effective steps for the conservation and promotion of breeds of cows, calves and other milch and useful animals. Also, implement necessary laws and regulations, especially to ban the slaughter of cows and calves.
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