The court also imposed a Rs 3 lakh fine on each convict. Additional sessions judge B R Rajput drew heavily on ancient Sanskrit texts to emphasise the importance of protecting the cow in Indian culture while delivering the judgement. Ahmedabad: A sessions court in Kalol town of Gandhinagar district on Monday sentenced three men to rigorous life imprisonment in a cow slaughter case after they were found in possession of 277kg of beef.
On Aug 22, 2024, police raided Lalabhai’s house in Jamla village of Gandhinagar district and found Vasim, Mahmad Rafiq and Asfak in possession of 277 kg of beef valued at Rs 55,000.
Police had arrested six persons, including Lalabhai Senma, Ghulam Moin Kureshi and Vitthal Senma, in connection with the case, according to additional public prosecutor Jignesh Joshi. Police also recovered weapons allegedly used for slaughtering a cow and a vehicle meant for transporting the meat.
The investigation revealed that the accused intended to sell the beef to Ghulam Moin.
They were caught red-handed and if such accused are not given punishment prescribed under the law, the cow will disappear from the face of the earth. ” Quoting from the Vedas, the court further stated, “Cow is considered as the mother of the universe. If the crime against the accused is proven by evidence, he should be given appropriate punishment…” The judge also cited another Sanskrit couplet highlighting the sacred status accorded to cows in Hindu tradition: “You are the mother of all gods, and you are the cause of sacrifice. After the trial, the court found three of the six men guilty. In its judgement, the court observed, “Despite having known that cow is like mother, they were trying to sell beef after slaughtering it. It is useful for human life and society. Protecting the cows is an act related to religion and compassion. Where a cow is slaughtered, legal action should be taken. O sinless one, you are the holy place of all holy places. I offer my respectful obeisance unto you.”