Govt suspecting credibility of ANF cops: Hindu outfits

Hindu Jagarana Vedike-Karnataka has condemned the move to tarnish the image of Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) after the incident wherein ANF personnel shot dead Kabeer, a resident of Krishnapura in Mangalore, on April 19.

Addressing a press meet here on Tuesday, Vedike convener Satyajith Surathkal said “the ANF personnel have been striving to check Maoist menace in the region.

However, condemning the ANF personnel, after listening to the tales of one of the cattle traders, Rafeeq, is not justifiable. Mangalore MLA Mohiuddin Bava supporting illegal cattle traders should be condemned by all.”

He said “the incident is the reflection of government’s apathy towards curbing illegal cattle trafficking across the State. The government is suspecting the credibility of the ANF police who sacrifice themselves to counter the Maoists.” He expressed fear that the incident might lead towards increase in anti-social activities in the State.

“Terming the compensation package to the victim’s family as absolute blatant deed of the government, Sathyajith said that the compensation package is ridiculous. Without inquiry, the government has announced compensation to the family of the victim. The announcement is nothing but polarisation of Muslim community by the government. Till the CID inquiry is complete, nobody should point finger at the ANF personnel.”

Satyajith said that there are allegations that Kabeer was involved in theft of cattle in Surathkal region. However, we have not received complete details on the same.

According to Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Prevention of Cattle Slaughter Act and Cattle Transportation Rules, a mini lorry can transport only two cattle at a time. However, Kabeer and his accomplices were transporting 20 cattle in a suffocating atmosphere is illegal. At the same time before transporting a cattle to the slaughter house, the veterinary doctor should certify the cattle. All these rules and regulations have not been followed.

VHP flays

In a separate press meet, Vishwa Hindu Parishat (VHP) and Bajarang Dal have condemned the statement of political leaders who have termed the cattle transporters involved in Sringeri incident as innocent people.  The organisations have also demanded a CBI probe on cattle theft and illegal transportation cases.

Addressing mediapersons in Mangalore on Tuesday, VHP Regional Head Prof M B Puranik said that illegal transportation of cattle was the reason for the Sringeri Shootout incident. The so called victims of the shootout incident were involved in inter-state illegal transportation of cattle and related cases have been filed against the accused Kabeer, Surfaraj, Rafeeq, Pramod and Shekhabba, in Sringeri, Koppa, Chikmagalur, Surathkal and Karkala police stations.

Political parties should not term the accused as innocents, he said and questioned the need for fleeing the spot when the police stopped them.

“According to the information, the police tried to stop the illegal transporters, when they started running, which compelled the police to shoot at the accused,” he said.

If the Sringeri case has to be investigated by the CBI, then cases pertaining to the thefts and illegal transportations of cattle should also be subjected to CBI probe, he urged. Also, compensation to the tune of 20 to 50 lakh is being demanded. If the family of the dead Kabeer can get the compensation, why not give compensation for the people who have lost their cattle, which was the only source of their income? he questioned.

Stating that illegal cattle transportation has been the reason for communal riots in the district, he urged the government to carryout an inquiry on illegal cow slaughter houses.
Prof Puranik also challenged MLA Mohiyuddin Bava to produce the proof that the transportation was legal.

Expressing concern over the rise in illegal cattle transportation to Kerala unabatedly after the Congress lead state government came to power, he criticised that MLA Mohiyuddin Bava and other Congress MLAs are into vote bank politics.

Bajrang Dal Regional Convener Sharan Pumpwell and VHP district Secretary Gopal Kuttar were present.