V. C. Sajjanar urges legal compliance, warns against vigilantism
Hyderabad: Ahead of Id‑ul‑Zuha, police commissioner V.C. Sajjanar on Sunday laid down guidelines for ‘go rakshak’ (cow protection) organisations while assuring them of foolproof measures, including specialised check‑posts at commissionerate borders, to prevent smuggling of cattle for slaughter.
Sajjanar stressed that ‘go rakshaks’ must respect the legal process and immediately report information on illegal cattle transport to the police. Under no circumstances should individuals take the law into their own hands or resort to violence, he said. Strict instructions had been issued to register criminal cases against those posting provocative reels or videos on social media that could hurt religious sentiments or incite communal tension.
Volunteers were prohibited from joining police personnel at checkposts and from photographing cattle or sharing suspect details on social media. Each organisation must appoint a representative and provide member contact details to the police. Volunteers must carry valid identity cards at all times.
‘Go rakshaks’ are forbidden from carrying weapons or sharp objects. Obstructing or chasing vehicles already in police custody will invite stringent legal action. Surveillance on illegal cattle transport without veterinary certification will continue year‑round. Citizens and organisations can provide information 24/7 via the Police Control Room at 8712661000.
While responding positively to certain points raised by representatives, the commissioner urged all to act responsibly and cooperate with the department to ensure a peaceful festive season.
The meeting was attended by senior officials Tafseer Iqubal, M. Srinivasulu, N. Swetha, zonal DCPs, additional DCPs, and representatives from organisations including Kolishetty Shiva Kumar of Yuga Tulasi Foundation; Deepak Singh of Go Rakshak Dal; A. Balakrishna of the Akhil Bharatiya Goseva Foundation; Jasraj Srisrimal from Bharatiya Prani Mitra Sangh; Srikanth of Bajrang Dal and B. Narasimha Murthy from the VHP.
