Action against illegal animal sacrifice for Bakrid: Sambhajinagar top cop

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Appealing to citizens to strictly follow provisions of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, 1995, during Bakrid celebrations, police commissioner Pravin Pawar on Monday warned of strict action against anyone found illegally sacrificing animals in the city.

He made the statement at a peace committee meeting attended by Muslim religious leaders, clerics, Eidgah committee members, corporators and officials from various departments.

Pawar said sacrifices should be limited to animals permitted under the law and carried out only at authorised slaughterhouses designated by the municipal corporation. He also urged residents not to transport meat openly in public places.

“Maintaining peace and harmony is the responsibility of every citizen. Hindu and Muslim communities should celebrate festivals with unity,” Pawar said.

He warned of stern action against anyone attempting to disturb communal harmony and appealed to people to inform the police or dial helpline 112 in case of any untoward incident.

Pawar also urged people not to spread rumours on social media and asked residents to alert the police about anyone trying to disturb social peace online.

Police said six checkposts have been set up across the city with round-the-clock deployment of police, traffic personnel and animal husbandry officials. Three special teams, including one from the crime branch, have also been formed for monitoring and enforcement.

Special patrolling by uniformed and plainclothes personnel will be carried out in crowded areas. Security arrangements include four DCPs, seven ACPs, 25 police inspectors, 58 assistant inspectors and sub-inspectors, 986 police personnel, 49 women personnel and seven cameramen.

In addition, one company of the State Reserve Police Force, along with 400 male and 100 female home guards, has been deployed for the festival. Officials said traffic arrangements would also be made to prevent congestion during Bakri Eid celebrations.