Cattle smuggling menace must be addressed

This refers to the article, “Cow protection: BJP doesn't walk the talk” (August 31) by Ajoy Kumar. While I agree with the views of the writer that the BJP's track-record of cow-protection leaves a lot to be desired, cow smuggling too is a reality that must not be forgotten.

It is a known how hapless cow owners are losing their cows and gaurakshaks are imperiling their lives to the brazen depredations of cow-smugglers across the country. Just take a look at the outrageous condition this country has fallen into: Cattle-thieves are doing their work with impunity and happily getting support from ‘breaking-India’ forces, while people who lose their cattle, far from being compensated, are ignored or labelled as villains.

As for Akhlaq, his lynchers of course had no business to take law into their own hands, but are we aware that the Government Veterinary Hospital of Dadri and Central Forensic and Scientific Lab in Mathura had confirmed that the meat stored inside the fridge of his house was indeed beef, derived from the calf which Akhlaq had stolen and slaughtered?

The solution, therefore, is not too far to seek. Cattle smuggling must be eliminated first, but at the same time the public has to be warned and taught to safely hold a smuggler captive before calling the police and handing him over to them, instead of lynching.