MBT Urges Police to Stop Targeting Ox Traders Before Eid-ul-Adha

Hyderabad — Telangana's Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) has escalated concerns about the treatment of livestock traders, presenting a detailed complaint to Police Commissioner C.V. Anand regarding what it characterizes as discriminatory enforcement ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.

The delegation, representing MBT and led by spokesperson Amjed Ullah Khan, met with the state's top police official to formally document grievances centered on recent ox seizures. The organization pointed out that C.V. Anand brings considerable law enforcement experience to his new position, having previously held the rank of Hyderabad Police Commissioner twice, and expressed optimism that his tenure could strengthen administrative standards across the state.

Seizures and Legal Concerns

The core complaint centers on police actions against livestock traders over recent weeks. According to the memorandum submitted during the meeting, authorities have confiscated oxen valued at approximately Rs 1 crore and initiated prosecutions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The seizures took place across multiple police jurisdictions, including Toopran, Madannapet, RGIA, Raidurgam, L.B. Nagar, and Pahadishareef.

MBT representatives contested the basis for these actions, noting that traders possessed valid transportation permits and veterinary health documentation. Despite having proper documentation, the organization stated, authorities transferred the animals to cow shelters (gaushalas) and filed criminal charges against traders, vehicle owners, drivers, and support staff.

Ullah Khan highlighted the particular hardship faced by daily-wage workers, who face criminal prosecution despite having no ownership stake in the animals. He also pointed out that vehicle owners continue servicing bank loans for seized vehicles while awaiting judicial resolution of their cases.

Allegations of Selective Enforcement

The delegation contended that law enforcement applies the animal protection statute inconsistently, with intensive enforcement concentrated around Eid-ul-Adha while overlooking similar animal transportation activities throughout the year. This pattern, MBT argued, suggests targeting specific communities rather than uniform application of regulations.

The organization further accused members of Bajrang Dal of obstructing legitimate livestock transport operations and intimidating traders, creating an environment of fear among those engaged in lawful commercial activity. These actions, according to MBT, undermine communal relations and threaten the security of traders exercising their constitutional rights.

Formal Requests

The memorandum calls for several specific interventions: a comprehensive review of recent seizure cases, cessation of what it characterizes as unjustified harassment, and strict adherence to legal procedures at all police stations. MBT additionally requested police action against vigilante groups engaged in interference with lawful transportation and sought assurances protecting both constitutional and religious freedoms.

The delegation also requested facilitation of animal releases where all legal requirements have been satisfied.