Police Register Case Under Animal Cruelty Laws
The Cottonpet police have registered a case under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to mischief by killing or maiming animals. On Monday, the Cottonpet police arrested a man in connection with the incident. Police identified the accused as Sheikh Nasru (30) from Bihar. He had cut the udders of the cows in Vinayakanagar of Chamarajpet in the wee hours of Sunday, police sources said.
“During the course of the investigation, one person by name Sheikh Nasru from Champaran District of Bihar was found to have done this act after being drunk. He works as a helper in a plastic and cloth bag stitching shop 50 metres away from the place of incident. No other person was found to be involved,” a police officer said.
Nasru has been arrested and remanded to judicial custody till January 24.
The cows, after being given treatment, are presently out of danger, the officer said.
CM and Home Minister Respond
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the act, stating that animal cruelty is a punishable offence. “Those responsible will be identified and punished,” he said, adding that the police commissioner has been instructed to expedite the investigation. His statement came in response to BJP leader R Ashoka’s announcement of observing ‘black Sankranti’ on January 14 if the government fails to act.Home Minister G Parameshwara also addressed the incident, confirming that he has sought a detailed report from the police and directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police to ensure legal action is taken.
Owner Suspects Retaliation
Karna, the owner of the cows, recounted the events, stating that the attack occurred around midnight. He discovered the injured animals early Sunday morning after neighbors alerted him. One cow, unable to stand, had sustained severe injuries to its leg.
“I suspect this act was in retaliation for my participation in a protest six months ago against the closure of a veterinary hospital on Mysuru Road. I had taken these cows to that protest,” Karna said. He lodged a formal complaint with the Cottonpet police station.
