BJP leader questions action against goat traders in Mira-Bhayandar, urges state to issue clear guidelines

Ahead of the Bakrid 2026 Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party BJP leader Haji Arafat Shaikh has questioned the alleged action being taken against goat traders in the MiraBhayandar area of Thane district and urged the state government to issue clear guidelines regarding the transportation of goatsThe BJP leader raised concerns over vehicles carrying goats allegedly being stopped by authorities without clear explanationsSpeaking on the issue Shaikh asked why transport vehicles carrying goats were being intercepted despite traders claiming they were operating legallyHe said there was confusion among traders and transporters due to the absence of clearly communicated rules regarding livestock transportationldquoWhy are vehicles carrying goats being stoppedrdquo Shaikh asked while demanding clarity from the state governmentDemand for clear govt guidelinesShaikh urged the Maharashtra government to establish transparent and uniform regulations for goat transportation to prevent inconvenience to traders and transport operatorsAccording to him proper guidelines would help avoid unnecessary disputes delays and alleged harassment during transport checksHe also stressed the importance of balancing law enforcement with the protection of legitimate business activities linked to livestock tradeConcerns raised by tradersLocal traders have reportedly expressed concern over repeated vehicle checks and action taken against goat transport vehicles in the MiraBhayandar areaSome transporters claim the uncertainty has affected their business operations and created confusion regarding required permits and compliance proceduresVIDEO Mumbai BJP leader Haji Arafat Shaikh questions action against goat traders in MiraBhayandar and seeks clear transport rules from the Maharashtra government He says ldquoWhy are vehicles carrying goats being stoppedrdquoFull video available on PTI Videos hellip pictwittercomugIKx8i3Tpmdash Press Trust of India PTI_News May 25 2026Shaikh said the government should clearly define the rules applicable to animal transportation so that both authorities and traders can function without conflictHe added that transparent implementation of regulations would reduce misunderstandings and ensure smoother business operationsMaharashtra launches crackdown on illegal cattle transportMeanwhilethe Maharashtra government has ordered a statewide crackdown on illegal transportation of cows unauthorised slaughterhouses and animal cruelty ahead of the Bakri Eid festival with Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik warning that strict action will be taken against violatorsThe Transport Department has directed all Regional Transport Offices RTOs deputy regional offices transport authorities and border checkposts to conduct intensive inspection drives between May 25 and May 28 2026 The move follows instructions issued by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis amid concerns over a possible rise in illegal cattle transportation during the festival periodAccording to officials enforcement teams will focus on border areas Mumbai major urban centres and other sensitive routes where animal transportation violations are likely to occur Vehicles carrying animals will be checked for permits transport certificates and compliance with animal welfare normsWill not tolerate illegal transportation SarnaikSpeaking about the drive Sarnaik said that the governmentwould not tolerate illegal transportation or slaughter of cows under any circumstances He stated that vehicles found violating provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and related Central government regulations would face immediate seizure and legal actionThe minister alleged that incidents of illegal cattle transportation generally increase during certain festivals with animals often transported in overcrowded and inhumane conditions He said authorities had received reports of cattle being packed into vehicles without proper food water or safety measures during transitSarnaik also referred to the Maharashtra governmentrsquos decision to accord indigenous cows the status of ldquoRajyamatardquo a move backed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde He described cow protection as both a legal and cultural issue and said the government was committed to preventing cruelty towards animals