Representative image of Cattle.
Credit: REUTERS
Mangaluru: The VHP–Gauraksha Vibhaga Prantha Prachara Prasara Saha Pramukh Pradeep Saripalla has urged the police to arrest those involved in the illegal slaughter of cattle in the Maravoor–Kenjar area under the Bajpe police station limits.
Speaking to mediapersons, he issued an ultimatum till December 15 to arrest the accused. He warned that if the police fail to act against those involved in cow slaughter, the VHP–Gauraksha Vibhag will stage a massive protest.
He said that following a tip-off from locals, VHP activists visited the Maravoor–Kenjar area and found discarded remains of slaughtered cattle, including heads, legs, skin, bloodstains and other waste, dumped in eight to nine bushes in the area. A few cattle and calves were also found tied nearby. He alleged that a large network involved in cattle slaughter is operating in the district and that locals have reported frequent theft of cattle from their sheds.
He further alleged that the cattle slaughter mafia has been active in the region for several years. Kapila Gaushala is located in the vicinity, and even gaushala authorities have reported theft of cattle from the premises.
Saripalla alleged that indigenous cattle were slaughtered by the accused and that tonnes of cattle waste were dumped in the area.
Pointing out that official slaughterhouses do not function in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, he questioned how over seven beef stalls are operating in the Jokatte area and asked where the red meat supplied to these outlets is coming from.
He urged the Commissioner of Police to ensure that all those behind the cattle slaughter mafia are arrested and that illegal slaughtering activities in the area are brought to a complete halt.
Bajpe police said that cases have been registered for cattle theft and illegal slaughter. Authorities of Kapila Gaushala reported the theft of eight cattle, while a local resident reported the theft of one cow. When police visited the suspected cattle slaughter site in the Maravoor–Kenjar area, they found recently discarded remains of two cattle and older remains of five to six cattle that appeared to have been slaughtered a few months ago.