The BJP government in West Bengal on Wednesday banned public slaughter of cows, bulls, and buffaloes, while also making official certification mandatory before such animals can be slaughtered, report Indian media.
According to the notice issued by the West Bengal Home and Hill Affairs Department, "no person shall slaughter any animal" including cows, bulls, bullocks, buffaloes, and calves without obtaining a certificate declaring the animal "fit for slaughter."
The certificate can only be issued if the animal is "over 14 years of age for work or breeding" or has become "permanently incapacitated due to age, injury, deformity or any incurable disease."
The notice also states that such animals "shall be slaughtered only in a Municipal Slaughter House or any other Slaughter House identified by the local administration," while slaughter in "any open public place" is "strictly prohibited."
Violations under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950 are punishable with up to six months' imprisonment, a fine of Rs 1,000, or both.
The move is being viewed by critics as part of the broader Hindutva political agenda, particularly because it comes just weeks before Eid al-Azha, associated with ritual animal sacrifice.
While the BJP government has framed the order as enforcement of existing law and court directives, opponents argue that the timing and stricter implementation could disproportionately affect Muslim butchers, traders, and traditional Qurbani practices.
The directives come amid a broader crackdown by the BJP government on alleged illegal cattle markets, slaughterhouses, and cross-border cattle smuggling to Bangladesh, particularly in border districts such as Malda, Murshidabad, and North and South 24 Parganas.
Notably, just days after the BJP's victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, several meat shops in Kolkata's New Market area were bulldozed during alleged BJP victory celebrations, with opposition leaders accusing supporters of targeting Muslim meat traders and engaging in "bulldozer politics."
Cow protection has long been a central issue in Hindutva politics, with Hindu nationalist groups portraying it as part of preserving Hindu cultural and religious values.
Since 2014, there has been a rise in mob attacks and lynchings linked to allegations of cow slaughter, cattle smuggling, or beef consumption in India, with several Muslims killed by Hindu vigilante groups operating in the name of cow protection.
Critics argue that such campaigns and laws embolden vigilante groups, deepen fear among Muslim communities, particularly around Eid ul-Azha, and increase the risk of false allegations, harassment, and mob violence, while institutionalising Hindutva priorities over minority rights and livelihoods.
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