A sessions court in Kalol, Gujarat, has sentenced three men to rigorous life imprisonment in a cow slaughter case involving the seizure of 277 kg of beef, citing Hindu religious scriptures, including the Vedas and the Manusmriti, while discussing the cultural and religious significance of cow protection.
Additional Sessions Judge B. R. Rajput also imposed a fine of ₹2 lakh on each convict. The three men were identified as Wasim Qureshi, Mahmad Rafiq Qureshi and Asfaq Bahelim, all residents of Ahmedabad.
The court convicted the men under provisions of the Gujarat Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, along with other applicable legal provisions.
According to the prosecution, the case dates back to August 22, 2024, when police raided a house belonging to Lalabhai Senma in Jamla village and seized 277 kg of beef valued at approximately ₹55,000.
Police also recovered weapons allegedly used for cow slaughter and a vehicle reportedly used to transport the meat. Investigators said the accused intended to sell the meat to Ghulam Moin Qureshi.
Six people were arrested in connection with the case. Following the trial, the court convicted three of the accused and sentenced them to rigorous life imprisonment.
While pronouncing the sentence, Judge B. R. Rajput referred to ancient Sanskrit texts and Hindu religious traditions to explain the importance attached to cow protection.
The judgment described the cow as “the mother of the universe” and referred to the Manusmriti while discussing the animal’s religious and cultural significance in Hindu tradition.
The court observed that the convicts had slaughtered a cow and attempted to sell its meat despite being aware of the cultural significance associated with the animal.
“If such accused, who mercilessly slaughter cows, are not punished as prescribed by law, the mother cows will become extinct with the passage of time,” the judgment stated.
The court emphasised that cases involving cow slaughter must be dealt with in accordance with the law and that appropriate punishment should follow when guilt is established through evidence.
The ruling combines the court’s findings in the criminal case with references to religious texts and the cultural significance of cow protection in Hindu tradition. The sentences and fines were imposed on the three men convicted in the case.
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