Gandhinagar Court Sentences Three to Life Terms in Cow Slaughter Case

Gandhinagar: A sessions court in Kalol on Monday sentenced three men to rigorous life imprisonment in a cow slaughter case involving the seizure of 277 kg of beef. The court also fined each convict ₹3 lakh. Additional Sessions Judge B R Rajput cited ancient Sanskrit texts while highlighting the cultural significance of cow protection in India.

The convicts, Vasim Kureshi of Juhapura, Mahmad Rafiq Kureshi of Behrampura and Asfak Bahelim of Fatehwadi, were found guilty under the Gujarat Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

According to Additional Public Prosecutor Jignesh Joshi, police arrested six people in connection with the case. On August 22, 2024, they raided Lalabhai Senma’s house in Jamla village and seized 277 kg of beef worth ₹55,000 from the three convicts. Police also recovered weapons allegedly used for slaughtering a cow and a vehicle intended to transport the meat.

The investigation revealed that the accused planned to sell the beef to Ghulam Moin Kureshi. After the trial, the court convicted three of the six accused.

Quoting the Vedas, the court stated, “Cow is considered as the mother of the universe. It is useful for human life and society. Protecting the cows is an act related to religion and compassion. Where a cow is slaughtered, legal action should be taken. If the crime against the accused is proven by evidence, he should be given appropriate punishment…”

In its judgment, the court observed that despite knowing the cultural significance of cows, the accused had slaughtered one and attempted to sell its meat. It added that failure to impose the prescribed punishment could threaten the survival of cows. DeshGujarat