Nearly 15 cows which were being transported in a crammed van were ‘rescued’ and sent to a cow shelter in Jiyaguda, Hyderabad on Tuesday following the intervention of self-proclaimed cow vigilante groups and BJP Goshamahal MLA Raja Singh. The controversial legislator who alleged that the cows were being transported to a slaughter house in Bahadurpura, chased down the vehicle in the early hours and handed over the driver to the Choutuppal police.

The police, however, are yet to verify the allegations of the MLA. The cows were being transported from Suryapet district and heading to Hyderabad, police said.

Speaking to TNM, Choutuppal Inspector Venkanna said, “We are investigating the case. The allegation that the cows were being transported to a slaughterhouse is yet to be determined. However, as many cows were being transported in cruel conditions, we have filed a case under prevention of cruelty to animals act. The rescued animals have been shifted to a cow shelter in Jiyaguda.” 

The slaughtering of cows in Telangana is banned under the Telangana Prohibition of Cow Slaughter and Animal Preservation Act, 1977, which was adopted from United Andhra Pradesh. According to the Act, a cow or calf, either male or female, or a she buffalo are prevented from being killed for meat. Slaughtering of cows is an offence under Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

The only exceptions to kill a cow is: “..animal operated upon for vaccine, lymph, serum or any experimental or research purpose at an institution established, conducted or recognised by the Government; or slaughter of which is certified by a Veterinary Officer authorised by the Government; or which is suffering from any disease.”

Addressing the media, Raja Singh alleged that there are several illegal slaughter houses in Bahadurpura. He insinuated that Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has a link to it, as Bahadurpura comes under his constituency.

The MLA said that KCR had committed a sin by allowing the slaughter of cows. “Slaughtering of cows and calf is a big sin. If you are truly a Hindu, the first step you should take is to prohibit the killing of cows like how the BJP-ruled states have done,” he said.