Prepare Action Plan Against Illegal Slaughterhouses, Cow Smuggling: Yogi to Police

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the state police chief to prepare an action plan to shut illegal slaughterhouses and take stringent measures to prevent cow smuggling.

Yogi's directive came amid confusion as what this action plan will incorporate because there are several legal slaughterhouses in the state.

On cow smuggling, Yogi reportedly asked district police chiefs to show 'zero tolerance' toward those who are involved in such illegal activities.

The UP Chief Minister also asked senior police officers to remain more vigilant when it comes to Anti-Romeo Squad to curb rising number of eve-teasing cases in the state.

UP Dy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya said, "The CM also advised against the use of pan masala, plastic and pan in government buildings and offices."

Corroborating the same, state minister Siddharth Nath Singh said, "This is nothing new. Banning of illegal slaughter houses is a part of our manifesto. We will not allow any illegal activities in state."

The BJP had announced, in its manifesto titled 'Lok Kalyan Sankalp Patra', that it would take "stern steps to close down all illegal slaughterhouses besides banning mechanised slaughterhouses" if it comes to power.

Last night, meat shops were set on fire by a mob in Hathras district. The development comes only two days after Yogi was sworn in as CM. "My shop was set on fire twice since the new government came to power. This shop was the only income source for me and my family," one of meat shop owners in Hathras said.

Reacting to the incident BSP leader MH Khan said, "Everyone eats meat, hotel industry and so many people are dependent on this industry. The government should think before acting in this industry."

"I condemn the Hathras incident. Vigilantism of any kind will not be allowed. No one can take law into their hand," Singh said.

Recently, Moradabad SSP issued notice to his subordinates asking them to be strict against cattle smuggling and operations of illegal slaughter houses. Similar orders have been issued across districts.

Today, six slaughter houses and meat factories were sealed in Meerut. On March 21, a slaughterhouse was sealed by the district authorities in the Kamalgadaha locality under Jaitpura police station, police officials said.

Since the new government has come to power, there is a sudden rise in demand against slaughterhouses in the state.