Take cow slaughter cases seriously: Allahabad HC to UP govt
Prayagraj, Dec 2: Expressing dissatisfaction with the police probe into a cow slaughter case, the Allahabad High Court on Saturday directed the state government to look into such matters seriously.
The court also directed the Prayagraj police commissioner Ramit Sharma to submit a progress report mentioning number of cow slaughter cases registered at different police stations in the district and in how many such cases the investigation is going on.
Hearing an anticipatory bail application filed by one Saif Ali Khan of Prayagraj, who is accused of cow slaughter, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav directed to put up this case as fresh on December 18, 2023 for the next hearing.
On Saturday, as per the directions of the court, police commissioner Sharma appeared before the court and filed an affidavit giving details regarding the steps taken to check the cases of cow slaughter.
The court took the affidavit on record but expressed dissatisfaction over the efforts made by the police authorities. However, on a request made on behalf of the state counsel, the court granted further time of two weeks for filing a better affidavit.
It also exempted personal appearance of police commissioner for the next date.
On November 17, while hearing the anticipatory bail application by Khan from whose possession police had reportedly recovered 1.5 quintal beef in 2019, the high court had taken a serious note that the investigation in the case has not completed despite the fact that the case was registered in 2019.
The court had also expressed its concern that the cases of cow slaughtering are coming to notice in the state despite promulgation of the UP Cow Slaughter Act, which provides cow slaughtering a serious and cognizable offence.
Besides, the court had also expressed its concern over the laxity of police department in connection with cow slaughter cases in the state.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
