Hyderabad Police Commissioner Sajjanar warns cow vigilantes ahead of Bakrid
Synopsis
Ahead of Bakrid, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar has drawn a sharp line for cow vigilante groups — report, don't retaliate. With checkpoints, a social media crackdown, and a strict code of conduct, the Commissioner is attempting to pre-empt the kind of vigilante violence that has repeatedly flared during festive seasons across India.
Key Takeaways
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.
Sajjanar warned 'Gau Rakshak' groups on 3 May against taking law into their own hands ahead of Bakrid .
Checkpoints are being established along the Commissionerate's borders to prevent illegal cattle transportation.
Criminal cases will be registered against individuals posting cattle slaughter videos on social media that could incite tensions.
Vigilante volunteers are prohibited from carrying weapons or sharp objects , photographing cattle, or sharing accused persons' details online.
Each vigilante organisation must designate a representative and share member contact numbers with police; all volunteers must wear identity cards .
The police control room at 8712661000 is available round-the-clock for public tip-offs on illegal cattle movement.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar on Sunday, 3 May issued a firm warning to 'Gau Rakshak' (cow vigilante) groups operating in the city, directing them to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to channel all information about illegal cattle transportation directly to the police. The warning came ahead of the Bakrid festival, a period that has historically seen heightened communal sensitivities around cattle-related activity.
Special Coordination Meeting Called
Commissioner Sajjanar convened a special coordination meeting with representatives of various 'Gau Rakshak' organisations to outline the ground rules for maintaining law and order during the festive period. He emphasised that while vigilante groups may report suspected illegal cattle transportation, they are strictly prohibited from directly confronting or attacking the accused. According to a statement from the Commissioner's office, strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating these directives.
Checkpoints and Surveillance Measures
The Commissioner announced that stringent measures are being put in place across Hyderabad, including the establishment of checkpoints along the Commissionerate's borders. He made clear that surveillance against illegal cattle transportation — defined as movement conducted without veterinary certification — will not be limited to the festive season but will be maintained throughout the year. Citizens can contact the police control room at 8712661000 round-the-clock to report information.
Curbs on Social Media Activity
In a notable step, Sajjanar announced that he has issued orders to register severe criminal cases against individuals who post reels or videos on social media related to cattle slaughter that could hurt public sentiments or incite communal tensions. Vigilante volunteers were specifically advised against photographing cattle at checkpoints or sharing details of accused persons on social media platforms.
Rules for Vigilante Conduct
The Commissioner laid down a detailed code of conduct for cow vigilante groups. Each organisation must designate a single representative and submit the phone numbers of its members to the police. All volunteers are mandated to wear identity cards at all times. Critically, vigilantes were warned that they must not carry weapons or sharp objects under the pretext of conducting inspections. Sajjanar also warned that strict action would follow against anyone found chasing vehicles under police custody or creating obstructions on roads.
Senior Officers Present
The meeting was attended by Additional Commissioners Tafsir Iqbal and Srinivasulu, Joint Commissioner N. Swetha, and DCPs from various zones across the city. All citizens were urged to act responsibly and extend full cooperation to the police during the festive period. The Commissioner said he responded positively to several concerns raised by vigilante association representatives, signalling an intent to maintain dialogue while enforcing firm boundaries on permissible conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Hyderabad Police Commissioner Sajjanar say about cow vigilantes?
Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar warned 'Gau Rakshak' groups on 3 May to strictly refrain from taking the law into their own hands. He directed them to report illegal cattle transportation to police rather than confront accused persons directly, and warned that violations would invite strict legal action.
Why was the cow vigilante meeting held ahead of Bakrid?
The meeting was convened because the Bakrid festival is a period historically associated with heightened sensitivities around cattle slaughter and transportation. The Commissioner sought to pre-empt any untoward incidents by setting clear conduct rules for vigilante groups operating in Hyderabad.
What restrictions have been placed on cow vigilante social media activity?
Commissioner Sajjanar has ordered officials to register severe criminal cases against anyone posting reels or videos related to cattle slaughter that could hurt public sentiments or incite tensions. Volunteers have also been told not to photograph cattle at checkpoints or share accused persons' details online.
What are the rules cow vigilantes must follow during the festive period?
Vigilantes must not carry weapons or sharp objects, must wear identity cards at all times, must not accompany police at checkpoints, and must not chase vehicles under police custody. Each organisation must designate a single representative and share member phone numbers with the police.
How can citizens report illegal cattle transportation in Hyderabad?
Citizens can contact the Hyderabad police control room at 8712661000, which is available round-the-clock. The Commissioner noted that surveillance against illegal cattle transportation without veterinary certification will continue throughout the year, not just during festive seasons.
