Beef Bust On Mumbai's Atal Setu: 2 Held in Dramatic Cow Smuggling Sting
MUMBAI, India (AP) — In a dramatic bust, Mumbai's police arrested two men – Rajik Munir Shah and Ayan Rafiq Sheikh – who allegedly carried beef in their vehicle. Now, an investigation has been launched by Shivdi Police to send the seized meat to the Kalina Forensic Science Lab.
Information Regarding the Arrest
Cattle vigilantes who came to know that beef was being transported in a vehicle spotted the car at the Chirle Toll Plaza. The vigilantes chased the vehicle when it crossed the toll gate. The vehicles carrying huge amounts of cow's meat had broken down at the bridge of Atal Setu. The vigilantes immediately called the police through the emergency 112 helpline, and Shivdi police reached the spot in time to seize the meat.
मुंबई के अटल सेतु पर अवैध रूप से गोमांस की तस्करी करने वाली कार पकड़ी गई. गोमांस की तस्करी कर रहे राजिक मुनीर शाह और आयन रफीक शेख को शिवडी पुलिस ने गिरफ्तार कर लिया.#Crime | #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/j5xH1AGKGW
— NDTV India (@ndtvindia) November 10, 2024
Another Similar Incident in Badlapur
The arrest comes just days after a similar incident where cow meat was seized from a vehicle plying from Badlapur to Navi Mumbai. The Bajrang Dal said they had received an input that a red Swift Dzire was carrying a huge quantity of cow meat. They started following the vehicle and, in coordination with the Manpada Police, caught it near the Katai Naka area. Searching the vehicle, 800 kilograms of beef were found. The driver, Sameer, was arrested and handed over to the police for illegal cow meat smuggling.
Cow Vigilantism Incident Earlier
These are not one-off incidents. Last June, a murder took place in Nashik district where a gang of cow vigilantes was accused of beating a man to death over alleged cow smuggling. The victim was Afan Ansari who was transporting meat with his friend Nasir Sheikh. Vigilantes stopped their vehicle after which an altercation ensued and both men were beaten rather badly, and Ansari later died in the hospital.
Ongoing Concerns Over Cow Vigilantism and Smuggling
With a spate of incidents last year, officials in Maharashtra have been keeping a close watch on cow smuggling activities. The increasing vigilantism and violence in the name of cow protection, especially if there are suspected cases of cow meat smuggling, have thrown up questions over the safety of communities involved in the trade. Simultaneously, police are investigating the cases and shedding light on the larger issue of cow smuggling in the state.
The latest arrests in Mumbai are part of the sustained drive by the government agencies to stop the illegal trade of beef. This continues to be an issue that has been hanging over the state under controversy, and further arrests are only expected as Shivdi Police and other local forces continue their vigil.
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