Cow theft accused will be shot on spot in Uttara Kannada: Minister Mankal Vaidya

Vaidya told reporters in Karwar that even when the BJP was in power, cow thefts were reported, but cow rearers need not fear under the Congress government as it is in favour of cow and cow rearers.

Karwar: Following the rise in cow theft cases across Uttara Kannada district and the recent incident of slaughtering of a pregnant cow near Honnavar, District Minister Mankal S Vaidya on Monday warned that those engaging in cow theft would be shot at on the road or at the circle in the open.

“It is (cow theft) an injustice, and all know it has been going on for several years. I have told the SP that it should stop. I have directly asked the police to take action against anyone involved, without hesitation. We will ensure that if such acts happen again, they (the accused) are shot on the road or at the circle itself,” he told reporters.

He told reporters in Karwar that even when the BJP was in power, cow thefts were reported, but cow rearers need not fear under the Congress government as it is in favour of cow and cow rearers.

"Previous government was silent over this issue, but our government does not allow that (cow theft) to take place in our district at any cost. Department is also working to end this. If I was silent and chief minister and home minister neglected, how FIRs were filed and arrests were made?," he asked.

According to district police, 138 cases were booked against those involved in unauthorised transportation of cows under various police stations in the district during the last five years, while 866 cows were rescued.

A total of 23 cow theft cases were registered, 34 cows were traced, and 467 accused in unauthorised cow transportation and cow theft cases were arrested.

Recently, an accused of the cow slaughter near Honnavar was shot in his leg during investigation when he allegedly tried to attack the police and flee.

Police have also formed a special task force to check cow theft. A cash prize of Rs 50,000 is also announced for those who give information about two absconding accused in the Honnavar case.