Gujarat Cow Slaughter Case: Three Sentenced to Life

• Gandhinagar court sentences three men to rigorous life imprisonment.
• Each convict fined ₹3 lakh under the Gujarat Animal Preservation Act.
• Police had recovered 277 kg of beef during the August 2024 raid.
• Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi welcomes the court’s verdict.

GG News Bureau
Gandhinagar, 30th Oct: A court in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar district has sentenced three men to rigorous life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹3 lakh each in a cow slaughter case involving the illegal slaughter of cattle and the recovery of 277 kg of beef in Jamla village.

The Kalol Sessions Court, presided over by Judge B. R. Rajput, delivered the judgment on Monday. The court opened its ruling by referring to Sanskrit shlokas from the Manusmriti that describe cows as mothers of the universe and symbols of universal well-being.

The convicts have been identified as Wasim Shahabuddin Babu Qureshi, Mohammad Rafiq Mohammad Hanif Alibhai Qureshi and Ashfaq alias Salman Allarakha Abdul Behlim. They were found guilty under the Gujarat Animal Preservation Act.

Case Began with Police Raid in August 2024
The case dates back to August 2024, when a Kalol police team conducted a raid at a residential property in the Dhankniwas area of Jamla village following a specific tip-off.

Police reportedly found several people allegedly involved in illegal animal slaughter. Investigators recovered 277 kg of beef, sharp cutting instruments, weighing scales and vehicles from the premises. Live cattle found at the location were rescued and shifted to a local cow shelter.

Court Refers to Traditional Scriptures
In its judgment, the court referred to traditional Sanskrit verses highlighting the cultural and religious significance of cattle. It also mentioned the traditional account of Kamadhenu, the divine cow, while discussing the values of compassion, protection of life and adherence to the law.

During the trial, the prosecution presented physical evidence and eyewitness testimonies in support of its case.

Assistant Public Prosecutor Jignesh H. Joshi argued that strict legal consequences were necessary to prevent violations of animal preservation laws. The court subsequently convicted the three accused and awarded rigorous life imprisonment along with financial penalties of ₹3 lakh each.

Harsh Sanghavi Welcomes Verdict
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi welcomed the judgment, describing it as a clear message that those involved in cow slaughter would face legal consequences in the state.

In a post on X, Sanghavi said protecting cows remained Gujarat’s firm commitment. He also congratulated the Gandhinagar Police and the prosecution for the investigation and presentation of evidence before the court.