Public slaughtering of calf condemned

As more opposition to the Centre’s new curbs on the sale of cattle for slaughter emerged in Kerala, the public slaughtering of a calf has triggered condemnation from the BJP.

The event was organised as part of a Youth Congress protest in Kannur on Saturday.

On Saturday, the state had witnessed protests and beef festivals organised by various groups against the restrictions imposed by the BJP-led central government.

In a video shared by BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan on his social media pages, a Youth Congress leader is seen raising calls of protest against the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi before giving a go-ahead to a man to slaughter the calf, with at least two children watching the proceedings.

In the video, Youth Congress leader Rijil Makkutty announces that the meat of the slaughtered calf will be distributed at the venue.

“Cruelty at its peak. Cattle slaughtering by Kerala Youth Congress leader in broad daylight, in front of public gathering,” Kummanam posted along with the video.

Makkutty said the slaughtering was done by a butcher and in accordance with all the regulations necessary for animal slaughter. He denied there were children watching.

Basic rights

“It was done as part of a very intense protest against the Centre’s plan to infringe upon the basic rights of citizens. Animals are slaughtered for meat and that’s what happened. If we did anything wrong, let the courts decide,” Makkutty told DH.

Kannur City Police registered a case in connection with the incident.