Three gets life imprisonment for cow slaughter in Gujarat, first in India

GANDHINAGAR: Three people have been sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine imposed for cow slaughter in Gujarat. The Amreli principal district and sessions judge Rizvana Bukhari pronounced the verdict. The court awarded life imprisonment to Kasim Solanki (20), Satar Solanki (52) and Akram Solanki (30). A fine of Rs 6.08 lakh has been imposed on the three. The court ruled that the accused committed the crime despite the fact that Hindus consider cows sacred. Reports say that this is the first time in the country that such a severe punishment has been given for the crime of killing a cow.

In November 2023, a complaint was filed by police constable Vanraj Manjariya, alleging that a cow was killed and its remains dumped in the municipal drain at Baharpara in the Mota Khatkiwad area, thereby hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus. In the subsequent raid, cow meat, animal remains, knives, scales, and a vehicle were seized. During the trial, the police presented witness statements, a forensic report, and a veterinary doctor's examination report which said the meat recovered was beef. However, there were no independent witnesses.

The court also said that the police action cannot be said to be unreliable or biased just because there was no support from independent witnesses. The court said that all the evidence received confirms that the accused committed the crime. The state home minister described this as a model judgment. The accused said they will appeal against the sentence in the higher court.