Senior BJP leader, and the current Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, K S Eshwarappa has threatened to execute those slaughtering cows saying, “We will crucify those who indulge in cow slaughter”.
The controversial minister, made the comments while visiting Bajrang Dal members at the Manipal K.M.C Hospital who were supposedly injured in a vehicular attack in Shimoga. “Even now, as Minister, I am dissatisfied with the police department for not undertaking strict actions,” he said addressing the media.
“The fear about something could be done against their wife and children is tormenting them. Despite the BJP government coming to power, cow slaughter has not stopped. When I witness all of this, it burns my stomach. We will undertake strict measures to completely stop cattle slaughter. We will set a trap against cattle slaughterers and sacrifice them”, the Minister said.
His incendiary statements drew sharp criticism from the opposition Congress.
U T Khader, former minister, and Congress MLA told IANS that no one is against taking action on illegal transportation of cattle. “We are also against it. But, such crimes cannot take place without the support of the ruling government. These incidents are witnessing a rise after the BJP came to power. In spite of the law, the government is not able to control it.”
“Why is Eshwarappa blaming police officers and issuing emotional statements? The BJP is ruling at the Centre as well as the state. There are 16 beef export companies operating in the north Karnataka region. If he is so concerned, let him cancel their licenses,” Khader challenged.
Lavanya Ballal, AICC spokesperson and social media coordinator, accused Eshwarappa of issuing “cheap and provoking” statements. In Karnataka, there is an Animal Slaughter Bill and amendments have been made. Besides, there is a provision for sending aged cows to slaughterhouses, she said.
“We have to ask Eshwarappa whether he is targeting non-vegetarians. He is an elected representative and he can’t issue anti-constitutional statements. What he has to say about animal sacrifices at Shakti Peethas (religious centres),” she asked.
The Karnataka Assembly in December 2020 passed the draconian Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2020, spelling the death knell for lakhs of families dependent on the trade for their livelihood.
The Bill, which was passed through an ordinance to bring in the law has brought a blanket ban on the slaughter of all cattle, widening the Hindutva agenda.
Slaughter of cattle is a cognisable offence in the state and attracts three to seven years of imprisonment and a fine that shall not be less than Rs 50,000, extendable up to Rs 5 lakh.
A second and subsequent offence attracts a “fine, not less than Rs 1 lakh but which may extend to Rs 10 lakh along with imprisonment which may extend to seven years.”
(With inputs from IANS)
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