The South Zone wing of the Hyderabad police has requested butchers not to slaughter cows this Bakrid, when the festival is likely to be celebrated on September 25.

According to a report in the Times of India, the police was taking measures to maintain communal harmony as Ganesh Chaturthi, is scheduled to be celebrated during the same period, from September 17 to September 27.

The police also explained to the butchers that a certificate to prove that the animal is fit was required from veterinarians and added that it was illegal to slaughter bulls without clearance from authorities.

Meanwhile, the Cyberabad police also added that 21 check-posts would soon be put in place to monitor and stop the sale of cows and calves during the festival.

“The Muslims were advised to follow laws of the land and not hurt sentiments, while in a separate meeting with the Hindu elders, the Cyberabad commissioner cautioned them not to do policing on the roads,'' the newspaper quoted a police release as saying.