Centre asks states, UTs to take strict action against cow vigilantes

Centre has asked states and Union Territories not to tolerate any incidents of attack on individuals in the name of cow vigilantism. In its advisory issued to the Chief Secretaries, the Home Ministry said that they are expected to ensure that any person who takes law into his hands is dealt with promptly and given strictest punishment. 

Referring to recent incidents of attacks in the name of cow protection, the Ministry said this situation is not acceptable. The advisory said the States where



cow slaughter is prohibited, slaughtering would be in violation of law, but it does not permit any individual or group of persons to take action on their own to prevent the alleged slaughter or punish the alleged wrong doers. 

The Home Ministry, however, said if any person is aware of the commission of the crime, he is required under the law to give information to the nearest Magistrate or police officer , but under no circumstances, he is allowed to take the law into his hands.