The Telangana Police department announced on Wednesday that it will implement stringent measures to maintain peace, public order, and communal harmony during the upcoming Bakrid festival across the state.
Director General of Police CV Anand held a video conference with Police Commissioners and Superintendents of Police from all districts, joined by Special Chief Secretary of Municipal Administration & Urban Development Jayesh Ranjan, Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department K. Ilambarthi, and other senior officials.
Referencing decisions from recent review meetings involving the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, DGP Anand instructed police officers to strictly prevent illegal transportation and trafficking of cattle during the Bakrid celebrations scheduled for later this month.
Highlighting the festival's sensitivity regarding law and order, the DGP emphasised the need for heightened vigilance to avoid communal tensions or clashes between groups. He noted recent illegal cattle transportation incidents and explained that the video conference aimed to ensure effective implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
DGP Anand directed the enforcement of the Cow Slaughter Act, 1977, the Transport of Animals Rules, 1978, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. He warned of stringent legal action against those violating regulations related to cattle transport.
The DGP informed that 52 interstate check posts have been established along the borders with Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, in addition to 203 check posts within the state to combat illegal cattle smuggling. He instructed officials to intensify vehicle inspections in suspicious areas and maintain special surveillance of cattle fairs expected over the next 15 days.
All relevant documents, including "Fit for Transport" and "Fit for Slaughter" certificates, must be thoroughly verified at check posts, and checks will continue uninterrupted until the festival concludes.
To maintain law and order, the DGP cautioned that no individual or group should take the law into their own hands. He specifically urged members of Qureshi associations and cow protection groups to refrain from blocking roads or initiating confrontations based on suspicion. Violators will face criminal cases and, where necessary, rowdy or suspect sheets will be filed.
DGP Anand instructed Police Commissioners and District Superintendents of Police to organise coordination meetings with representatives from both groups at the field level to foster awareness and prevent misunderstandings or tension.
He also stressed cooperation among the Police, Municipal Administration, Animal Husbandry, and Revenue Departments. For efficient communication and information sharing, special WhatsApp groups will be created at district and field levels.
Officials have been advised to arrange adequate facilities for seized cattle, including shelters with sufficient fodder and water. The DGP further ordered strict monitoring of social media platforms and warned that individuals posting provocative or misleading content will be identified, summoned, and dealt with according to the law.
Recalling incidents reported during previous Bakrid festivals, the DGP instructed all officers to ensure that no untoward incidents occur in the state this year.
Special Chief Secretary of Municipal Administration & Urban Development Jayesh Ranjan stated that municipal officials remain on high alert and reiterated the necessity of enforcing the Cow Slaughter Act, the Transport Act, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Animal Husbandry Secretary K. Ilambarthi confirmed that veterinary doctors will be available to issue necessary certificates for cattle transportation and assured that veterinary services will be accessible round the clock in required areas.