NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Maharashtra government plans to introduce a strict law to curb cow smuggling, with repeat offenders facing MCOCA charges. Over 4,600 arrests have been made since 2022 in related cases, alongside massive meat seizures. A special SIT will investigate a Pune beef transport case linked to a Hyderabad firm. The state may also review cases filed against cow protection activists.

Key Points: Maharashtra Plans New Law Against Cow Smuggling With MCOCA Penalties

  • Maharashtra to table new law against cow smuggling
  • 4,677 arrests made in bovine-related cases since 2022
  • SIT to probe Pune beef transport case
  • Govt may review cases against gaurakshaks
2 min read

Maha govt to bring in law to curb cow smuggling, slap MCOCA against repeat offenders

Maharashtra govt to introduce strict law targeting repeat cow smugglers with MCOCA charges, amid rising cases and beef seizures.

"Repeat offences in cow smuggling will be slapped with MCOCA – Pankaj Bhoyar"

Mumbai, July 14

Maharashtra Minister of State for Home (Rural) Pankaj Bhoyar on Monday announced that the government will table a new law to curb cow smuggling and those engaging in such offences repeatedly will face action under the stringent provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

He said this while relying to a discussion on the calling attention motion moved by BJP member Shrikant Bharatiya and the sub question by Shiv Sena-UBT member Anil Parab.

Minister Bhoyar also informed that 2,849 cases have been registered in connection with the slaughter, transportation and sale of bovine animals between 2022 and 2025 and 4,677 accused have been arrested.

He added that 1,724 tonnes of meat have also been seized.

“Repeat offences arrested n connection with cow slaughter, smuggling and sale for the third time will be slipped with MCOCA,” he added.

He said that the government will bring a new law to control cow smuggling and it will be passed in the coming session.

Pankaj Bhoyar also said a special investigation team (SIT) will conduct a probe in connection with a matter in which about 57,000 kg of beef was being transported in two large containers in Kusgaon, Pune.

Minister Bhoyar said that the preliminary investigation has revealed that the company Asian Foods Micro Pvt. Ltd. is involved in the transportation of beef. Since this company is from Hyderabad, the state government has requested the central government to cancel the license obtained by this company through APEDA,he added.

“Two owners of the company are accused in this case. One of the accused has been arrested and has been granted bail. The process is underway to arrest the other accused,” he said.

BJP member Shrikant Bhartiya mentioned that social activists and gaurakshaks (cow protectors) are also being booked.

The minister said if gaurakshaks are booked, it will be reviewed and the government will consider withdrawal of such cases.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I understand the cultural significance, shouldn't the government focus more on pressing issues like unemployment and inflation? The numbers of cases seem quite high - is this really the biggest problem Maharashtra faces today?
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Ananya R
Good move but implementation is key. We've seen many laws but smuggling continues. The SIT investigation must be transparent and fast. Also, what about rehabilitation for those dependent on this trade? Blanket bans without alternatives won't work.
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Vikram M
57,000 kg of beef in Pune?! Shocking numbers! These smugglers are operating like proper mafia. MCOCA is the right tool to deal with such organized crime. Hope other states follow Maharashtra's example.
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Priya S
The law should clearly distinguish between illegal smuggling and legitimate cattle trade. Many farmers depend on selling unproductive cattle for livelihood. Overzealous implementation could hurt rural economy. Balance is needed.
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Karthik V
About time! But what about the cows already saved? Most gaushalas are overflowing and underfunded. Government should allocate proper budget for maintenance of rescued animals too. Can't just make laws without infrastructure.

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