India: Two held for transporting 1200 kg red meat

Palghar (Maha), Feb 2 (PTI) Two persons were Saturday arrested in Maharashtra's Palghar district for illegal transportation of 1200 kg red meat, suspected to be that of bulls, police said.

The arrests were made in Mokhada village at around 2 AM, following a tip-off by a Bajrang Dal functionary, an official release stated.

Police have impounded the vehicle carrying the meat, whose value has been estimated to be Rs 1.44 lakh.

The arrested persons have been arrested as Salim Kapde (41), the driver of the small truck, and his assistant Abdul Rashid Momin (47).

Police have booked the duo under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and under provisions of the Animals Preservation (Amendment) Act 1955, and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

The Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act bans slaughter of cows, bulls and bullocks, and also consumption and possession of their meat.