A five-member delegation of the Bharat Raksha Manch and the Gau Gyan Foundation on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to Governor Dr SC Jamir urging him to intervene into the matters of rampant cattle smuggling and ‘illegal’ arrest of cattle protection activist Tirtha Sahu in Rayagada recently.
The delegation apprised the Government that Tirtha Sahu was arrested by police at the behest of the Raygada district Collector when he had gone to the redressal and grievance cell to place complaints about illegal cow smuggling. Besides, he was attacked inside the Rayagada Jail.
“The custodial torture and murderous attack on Sahu inside the Rayagada Jail, and the role of the Collector and other district officials revealed the nexus between the Cattle smugglers and the officials, police and politicians,” the memorandum said.
The memorandum also stated that various false cases have been filed against the anti-cow slaughter activists all over the State. “The depletion of cattle wealth is causing serious socioeconomic problems in the rural economy. The Mafia involved in cattle smuggling is also involved in drugs, gun running and organised crime. There is blatant violation of the Orissa Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act all over the State,” alleged further.
They too brought to the notice of the Governor that, in many cases, Government officials express their helplessness as they do not have adequate arrangements to keep the seized cattle. They too alleged that the Government has not shown any interest for setting up of adequate Gosalas all over the State.
The delegation comprised Jagpreet luthra of the Gau Gyan Foundation, Bharat Raksha Manch State president Dr Bimlendu Mohanty, Manch convenor Murali Manohar Sharma, national secretary Anil Dhir and and Ravi Agarwal.