Strict action against those disturbing peace during Bakrid festival: Telangana DGP
Hyderabad, May 13 (TNT): Telangana Director General of Police C.V. Anand on Wednesday said strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb peace, public order and communal harmony during the forthcoming Bakrid festival in the State.
The DGP, along with senior officials from various departments, conducted a video conference with Police Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of all districts to review security and preventive measures ahead of the festival.
Referring to decisions taken during review meetings chaired by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, the DGP instructed police officers to strictly prevent illegal transportation and trafficking of cattle during the Bakrid festival scheduled later this month.
Describing Bakrid as a sensitive festival from a law and order perspective, the DGP stressed the need for heightened vigilance to prevent communal tension and clashes between groups. He directed officers to strictly enforce provisions of the Cow Slaughter Act, 1977, the Transport of Animals Rules, 1978 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
The DGP said 52 inter-state check posts had been established along the borders of Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, in addition to 203 check posts across Telangana, to curb illegal cattle smuggling. He instructed officials to intensify vehicle checks in suspicious areas and maintain surveillance on cattle fairs likely to be held over the next 15 days.
He also directed officials to thoroughly verify “Fit for Transport” and “Fit for Slaughter” certificates at all check posts and continue inspections until the completion of the festival.
Warning against vigilantism, the DGP said no individual or group should take the law into their own hands. He advised members of Qureshi associations and cow protection groups against resorting to road blockades or confrontations based on mere suspicion regarding cattle transportation. Criminal cases would be registered against violators and rowdy or suspect sheets opened wherever necessary, he said.
The DGP also instructed Police Commissioners and District SPs to conduct coordination meetings with representatives of various groups to avoid misunderstandings and maintain communal harmony. He stressed close coordination among police, municipal, animal husbandry and revenue departments and directed formation of special WhatsApp groups for effective information sharing.
He further instructed officials to arrange adequate cattle shelters for seized animals and ensure availability of fodder and water. Strict vigil on social media platforms was also ordered, with warnings that those posting provocative or misleading content would face legal action.
The meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary, Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Jayesh Ranjan, Animal Husbandry Secretary K. Ilambarthi and other senior officials.
TNT TS
