A district and sessions court in Kalol, Gujarat, has sentenced three men to life imprisonment in a cow slaughter case and imposed a fine of ₹3 lakh on each convict. While delivering the verdict, the judge referred to verses from the Vedas, describing the cow as the mother of creation and emphasising the importance of protecting cattle. The court observed that when the offence of cow slaughter is established through evidence, the guilty must receive appropriate punishment. The three men were convicted under provisions of the Gujarat Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The judgment followed a police investigation into the alleged illegal possession and intended sale of beef in Jamla village in the Kalol area.

Police Seized 277 Kg of Meat During Raid
According to the case records, the incident took place on August 22, 2024. Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a raid at the residence of Lalabhai Senma in Jamla village. During the operation, officers reportedly recovered 277 kilograms of suspected beef and arrested six people. Police also seized weapons allegedly used in the offence and a vehicle believed to have been used to transport the meat. During questioning, the accused reportedly told investigators that the meat was intended to be sold to a person named Ghulam Moin Qureshi. Following the investigation, police filed a chargesheet against all six accused, and the matter proceeded to trial before the court.

Three Accused Convicted, Three Acquitted
During the trial, the court found insufficient evidence to convict three of the six accused and acquitted them. The remaining three men—Wasim Qureshi of Juhapura, Mohammed Rafiq Qureshi of Behrampura and Asfaq Behl im of Fatehwadi, as identified in the report—were found guilty. The court subsequently awarded each of them life imprisonment and imposed an individual fine of ₹3 lakh. The verdict was based on the evidence presented during the proceedings. The distinction between those convicted and those acquitted reflects the court’s assessment of the evidence against each individual.

Judge Refers to Vedic Verses While Delivering Verdict
While pronouncing the sentence, the judge referred to Vedic verses that describe the cow as the mother of creation. The court highlighted the animal’s significance to human life and society and stressed the importance of compassion and protection. It also observed that strict punishment is warranted when criminal charges are established through evidence. The ruling brings the trial to a conclusion at the district court level, with the sentences imposed under the applicable animal-protection laws. The case has drawn attention to the legal consequences of offences involving cattle slaughter in Gujarat, where specific legislation governs the preservation and protection of animals.