Seven Police Officers Suspended in Bareilly Over Cow Slaughter Case Negligence
In a significant administrative action, seven police personnel, including two sub-inspectors, were suspended on Monday for gross negligence in handling a sensitive cow slaughter case in Bareilly's Izzatnagar area. The suspension follows the recovery of cattle remains stuffed in sacks from a drain in Faridapur Chaudhary village last week.
Details of the Suspension and Case Background
The action was prompted by a report submitted by the circle officer (City III), which found serious dereliction of duty by these officers. An FIR had been registered under Sections 3/8 of the Cow Slaughter Prevention Act. Those suspended include sub-inspectors Umesh Kumar Rai and Amit Kumar, head constables Mohammad Saleem, Pappu Ram, Manoj Kumar, and Sarvesh Kumar, and constable Arun Kumar. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated against all of them.
Intensified Crackdown on Cattle Smugglers
Meanwhile, three police teams were formed to intensify the crackdown on cattle smugglers. Early Monday, police intercepted three suspects near Kendriya Vidyalaya in Izzatnagar. When the accused allegedly opened fire, police retaliated, injuring and arresting them. A constable also sustained injuries during the encounter.
Arrests and Gang Operations
SSP Anurag Arya stated that a total of six accused have been arrested in connection with the case. They include Fida Hussain, Ashfaq, Ajay Singh, Nandkishore alias Chhotu, Surendra, and Karan Singh. Fida and Ashfaq were involved in slaughtering cows and bulls in nearby forest areas, while the others stole and supplied stray cattle. The gang reportedly earned around Rs 2,500 per cow and Rs 5,000 per bull, with the meat being sold at approximately Rs 150 per kg.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing cow protection laws in Uttar Pradesh and underscores the administrative response to police negligence in sensitive cases.
