Hyderabad: A delegation of Majlis Bachao Tehreek leaders met Telangana Director General of Police C.V. Anand and submitted a memorandum alleging harassment of ox traders ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.
The delegation was led by MBT spokesperson Amjed Ullah Khan. At the outset, the leaders congratulated C.V. Anand on his appointment as Telangana DGP and expressed confidence in his leadership.
The delegation described the police officer as an experienced administrator who had earlier served twice as Hyderabad Commissioner of Police. According to MBT leaders, his leadership could improve law and order administration across the State.
Harassment of ox traders raised in memorandum
The delegation later submitted a memorandum highlighting concerns over the seizure of oxen from Muslim traders at different police stations ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.
According to the memorandum, police seized oxen worth nearly Rs 1 crore in recent days and registered cases under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
The memorandum listed seizures at Toopran, Madannapet, RGIA, Raidurgam, L.B. Nagar and Pahadishareef police stations.
MBT leaders alleged that police seized oxen despite traders possessing transport documents and veterinary certificates. They claimed authorities shifted the animals to gaushalas and booked traders, vehicle owners, drivers and cleaners in criminal cases.
Amjed Ullah Khan said drivers and cleaners working on daily wages were also facing criminal cases despite having no ownership connection with the animals.
He further stated that transport vehicles were usually purchased through bank loans. According to him, vehicle owners continued paying EMI instalments while waiting for court procedures to secure release of seized vehicles.
Harassment of ox traders linked to selective enforcement
The MBT delegation also alleged selective implementation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. According to the leaders, strict enforcement mostly occurred during Eid-ul-Adha while animal transportation at other times did not attract similar action.
The delegation further alleged that Bajrang Dal activists interfered with animal transportation and created fear among traders. They claimed the situation disturbed communal harmony and caused insecurity among people engaged in lawful trade.
The memorandum requested the DGP to review recent seizure cases, prevent unnecessary harassment and direct police stations to follow legal procedures strictly.
The delegation also demanded action against vigilante groups interfering in lawful transportation and sought protection of constitutional and religious rights.
In addition, MBT leaders requested authorities to facilitate release of seized oxen wherever legal formalities had been completed.