In a bid to curb cow vigilantism, Madhya Pradesh government has approaved an amendment to the anti-cow slaughter law. Under this law, strict action will be taken against the people who call themselves ‘gaurakshaks’. The Kamal Nath government has proposed a jail term of six months to three years and a fine of Rs 25,000-50,000 for those who engage in violence against anyone booked under the anti-cow slaughter Act.
At present, offences related to cow vigilantism are dealt under the Indian Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure.
As quoted inside a report of Indian Express, Additional Chief Secretary (Animal Husbandry) Manoj Shrivastava said the punishment will increase to minimum one year and maximum five years if a mob is involved in cow vigilantism. In case of repeat offenders, the jail term will be doubled.
On May 24, three people were attacked in the state’s Seoni district by cow vigilantes on the suspicion that they were carrying beef. The police arrested Shubam Baghel, who identified himself as the Seoni district president of Hindutva organisation Shri Ram Sena, and his four accomplices. The victims were also arrested for allegedly carrying beef.
In a similar incident, a 24-year-old man was allegedly tied to a pole and thrashed with sticks by a mob in Jharkhand’s Seraikela Kharsawan district last Wednesday on the suspicion of theft. The youth succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. Hundreds of people protested against the youth’s lynching and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Raghubar Das.
