Govt asks states to file FIRs over violence in name of cow protection

Considered holy by many Hindus, cows have gained in importance since Prime Minister Narendra Modi stormed to power in 2014 as several BJP-ruled states enacted strict laws to punish cow slaughter.

The Centre has asked state governments to compulsorily register FIRs in all “untoward incidents” happening in the name of cow protection, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

The government’s statement in Lok Sabha comes two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked states to crack down on cow vigilantes and called for ‘stringent action’. (AFP file)

Minister of state for home Hansraj Ahir said the responsibility to maintain law and order, protect life and property and incidents of attacks on cattle traders, beef eaters, Muslims, Dalits and dairy farmers rests primarily with the state governments.

An advisory with regard to untoward incidents over cattle, disturbance of law and order by miscreants in the name of cow protection, compulsory registration of an FIR for cognisable offences irrespective of territorial jurisdiction, and making available a copy of the FIR has been issued to states/UTs, he said replying to a written question.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Sunday sought to put the onus for checking cow vigilantism on state governments, insisting that they take “stringent action against anti-social elements”.

The prime minister also sought the support of opposition parties in tackling “communal violence” in the name of cow protection, and deprecated attempts at giving a political or communal colour to the issue.