Mass Killing of Cows in Seoni: Madhya Pradesh Police Arrest 24
Madhya Pradesh police have arrested 24 individuals in connection with the killing of over 60 bovine animals, including cows, in Seoni district last week. The incident has been linked to a conspiracy aimed at inciting communal tensions.
Arrests and Investigation
The police revealed that eight of the arrested individuals are from Nagpur, where the conspiracy was orchestrated. Carcasses of 18 cows were found in the Vainganga River near Pindrai village, and another 28 cows and oxen were discovered in the Kakartala forest area under Dhuma police station limits on June 19 and 20. Additional carcasses were later found in the district.
“Police have so far arrested a total of 24 persons in this connection. The accused were assigned the job of killing the bovine animals in return for money and local residents [of Seoni] were also found to be involved in the crime,” a police official stated.
Conspiracy Details
The investigation revealed that the conspiracy was hatched in Nagpur by Israr Ahmed, who paid ₹30,000 in advance to the main accused, Wahid Khan. The killings were carried out to disrupt communal harmony in the region. Israr Ahmed and his associates arrived in Seoni on June 17 and enlisted local residents Sana-ur-Rehman, Abdul Karim, and Rafiq Khan to assist in the killings in exchange for money.
“The police headquarters in Bhopal was also monitoring the case as the incident was aimed at disrupting communal harmony, and it had directed its personnel to ensure the arrest of those involved in this inhuman act,” the police official added.
Legal Actions
A case was initially registered under the Madhya Pradesh Govansh Vadh Pratishedh Adhiniyam, 2004, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The police first arrested Wahid Khan and six associates based on leads, which eventually led to the arrest of the other accused, including Israr Ahmed.
Inspector General of Police (Jabalpur zone) Anil Singh Kushwaha confirmed that a total of 62 bovine animals were killed, consisting of 19 cows and 43 oxen. Provisions of the National Security Act (NSA) have been invoked against Wahid Khan for his role in gathering the bovine animals.
Background and Context
The plot aimed to provoke communal unrest amid strict police measures against cow smuggling in the district. Seoni shares its border with Nagpur, Maharashtra, where cow slaughter is also prohibited by law.
The police’s swift action in arresting those involved underscores the serious nature of the crime and the efforts to maintain communal harmony in the region.
Sunil Garnayak is an expert in Indian news with extensive knowledge of the nation’s political, social, and economic landscape and international relations. With years of experience in journalism, Sunil delivers in-depth analysis and accurate reporting that keeps readers informed about the latest developments in India. His commitment to factual accuracy and nuanced storytelling ensures that his articles provide valuable insights into the country’s most pressing issues.
