23 May,2026 06:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said religious observances and celebrations should remain confined to private spaces. FILE PIC
Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday warned of strict action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against anyone found involved in illegal cow slaughter or the sale of cow meat ahead of Eid al-Adha (Bakrid), news agency ANI reported.
Addressing a press conference, Bawankule said religious observances and celebrations should remain confined to private spaces and cautioned against any public slaughter or violation of the law during the festival period.
"The state government is prepared to take action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against anyone found indulging in cow slaughter or selling cow meat. On Bakrid, people should celebrate at their houses and not carry out slaughter on streets or in public places. If anyone tries to do this, the government will not spare them," he stated.
The minister further said strict enforcement would be ensured to prevent illegal slaughter activities and violations of animal protection laws during the festival.
Meanwhile, Iqbal Ansari, a prominent local figure and former litigant in the Babri Masjid land dispute case, urged members of the Muslim community to avoid cow sacrifice during Eid al-Adha.
Ansari has also formally requested the government to declare the cow as India's "national animal" and "national heritage", arguing that granting it constitutional protection would help end incidents of cow-related vigilantism and mob violence.
"This is a matter concerning our nation, the Hindu faith and Islam. While sacrifice has been an integral part of Islamic traditions for generations during Eid al-Adha, we must respect the laws of the land. Muslims should never sacrifice animals that are legally restricted. In India, our Hindu brothers revere the cow as âGaumata'. If we consume her milk, she holds the status of a mother. We must return this benevolence with respect. Muslims should serve cows, feed them and stay entirely away from cow slaughter," Ansari told ANI.
On Thursday, Delhi Government Development Minister Kapil Mishra, during a review meeting with the Development Department, directed officials to ensure strict compliance with animal welfare laws ahead of Bakrid.
Mishra instructed officials that, in order to ensure animal welfare and public hygiene during Bakrid, permission for sacrifice should be granted only at authorised and designated locations. He also directed strict enforcement of the ban on the slaughter or sacrifice of cows, calves, camels and other prohibited animals.
The minister further directed that no sacrifice should take place on roads, streets, or any public place and said the buying and selling of animals in public spaces is illegal.
He also instructed that animal blood should not flow directly into roads, drains, or canals, and that remains left after sacrifice should not be discarded in the open. Disposal, he said, must be carried out in accordance with prescribed safety standards under coordinated monitoring by the departments concerned.
(With ANI inputs)
