Azamgarh: After five days, police release man arrested for cow slaughter, drop case

“We have expunged the case after completing the investigation. Maqsood is likely to be released soon,” said Additional Superintendent of Police, Rural (Azamgarh), Narendra Pratap Singh.

The police have also recorded the statements of several other local residents in the case.

Station House Officer, Ahraula police station, Ayodhya Tiwari said that on Sunday the police got information that a man was carrying a bull for slaughtering. A police team rushed to the spot and arrested Maqsood. His vehicle was also seized. When interrogated, Maqsood told the police that he was taking the animal to a cow shelter, but he failed to give any evidence and produce witness in his favour, Tiwari added.

“Maqsood was initially released by the police, but following pressure from local residents, he was again arrested,” said a senior police officer.

After the arrest, Maqsood’s family and neighbours staged a protest alleging that he was falsely implicated in the case.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Azamgarh, Ravi Shankar Chhabi ordered an inquiry into the matter and directed Narendra Pratap Singh to submit report soon.

“An inquiry was conducted during which it was found that the bull got injured in an accident and Dubey, who runs a cow shelter in Azamgarh, asked Maqsood to bring the animal to the shelter. Maqsood was later booked under sections of the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act,” said Tiwari.

“Dubey has also submitted an affidavit to the police stating Maqsood’s innocence. We have also recorded statements of several local residents who has now confirmed the case. We have checked his background and he has no criminal cases against him,” said Tiwari.