Hyderabad: Majlis Bachao Tehreek leaders met Telangana Director General of Police C V Anand and urged him to address alleged harassment linked to ox seizure cases involving Muslim traders ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.
The delegation, led by MBT spokesperson Amjed Ullah Khan, submitted a memorandum at the DGP office. At the outset, the leaders congratulated Anand on his appointment as Telangana DGP and praised his earlier tenure as Hyderabad Police Commissioner.
Later, the delegation raised concerns over recent police action against traders transporting oxen across Telangana. According to the memorandum, police seized oxen worth nearly ₹1 crore in recent days and registered cases under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
The memorandum listed several recent incidents. Police allegedly seized 23 oxen at Toopran Police Station, 16 at Madannapet, 14 at RGIA, 17 at Raidurgam, seven at L.B. Nagar and 10 at Pahadishareef Police Station.
MBT leaders claimed traders possessed transport and veterinary documents despite the seizures. They also alleged that police shifted the animals to gaushalas and booked traders, drivers, cleaners and vehicle owners in criminal cases.
Ox seizure cases trigger trader concerns
Amjed Ullah Khan alleged that poor drivers and cleaners were facing legal action despite having no ownership connection with the animals. He further said vehicle owners continued paying bank loan EMIs after police seized transport vehicles.
The delegation also questioned what it described as selective enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act during Eid-ul-Adha. According to MBT, similar transportation during other periods did not attract such police action.
MBT leaders further alleged that Bajrang Dal activists were interfering with animal transportation and creating fear among traders. They claimed such actions were affecting communal harmony and creating insecurity among lawful traders.
The delegation urged the DGP to review all recent ox seizure cases and prevent unnecessary harassment of traders. It also sought directions to police stations to follow legal procedures strictly and requested action against vigilante groups interfering in lawful transportation.
In addition, MBT asked police to facilitate the release of seized oxen wherever legal formalities were complete. The delegation expressed hope that the Telangana DGP would take corrective measures to restore confidence among affected traders and maintain communal harmony.
