Hyderabad Police Chief Cautions Cow Protection Groups Against Vigilantism During Bakrid

Hyderabad's Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar issued stern directives to cow protection groups on Sunday, urging them to refrain from taking unilateral action during the Bakrid festival period.

Speaking at a coordination meeting with representatives from multiple civic organizations, Sajjanar outlined clear boundaries for how voluntary groups should operate. While he acknowledged their concerns, he emphasized that any information regarding unlawful cattle movement must be channeled directly to police rather than acted upon independently.

The Commissioner made explicit that members of these organizations face strict legal consequences if they assault suspects, interfere with police operations, or otherwise circumvent official procedures. He underscored that law enforcement agencies alone possess the authority to investigate and apprehend individuals suspected of wrongdoing.

To maintain order during the festival, the police department has established multiple checkpoints across the city's outer boundaries. Additionally, Sajjanar directed officials to file serious criminal charges against individuals who create and distribute provocative videos or reels depicting cattle slaughter on social media platforms.

Sajjanar laid out specific protocols for volunteer engagement. Each organization must designate a single point of contact for liaison purposes with the police department. Volunteers are required to display identification cards while engaged in their activities. Critically, he prohibited volunteers from carrying weapons or implements that could be used as weapons during any inspections or patrols.

The Commissioner further cautioned against obstructing roadways or pursuing vehicles already under police custody. He warned that such actions would trigger stringent police response.

Sajjanar also advised volunteers against posting photographs or identifying information about suspects on digital platforms. Police checkpoints should operate without volunteer accompaniment, he stressed.

The department plans to maintain year-round surveillance against illicit cattle transportation. Citizens requiring assistance can contact the police control room at 8712661000 at any time to report suspicious activities.

Attending the meeting were Additional Commissioners Tafsir Iqbal and Srinivasulu, Joint Commissioner N. Swetha, and Deputy Commissioners representing different zones across the city.