KADAPA: An attempt for strict implementation of the Cow Slaughter Act (CSA) by the district security agency has experienced opposition from the local Minority community, thereby causing a law and order problem in Rayachoti town on Saturday evening.
The ban on slaughter of cows and oxen, as part of Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid) festival on Sept 24, irked some people belonging to the Muslim community who staged a protest and hurled stones at police personnel leading to a chaotic situation. While expressing their resentment over the order in Rayachoti town on Saturday evening, some irate people pelted security personnel with stones due to which the latter resorted to lathi-charge.
Consequently, Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) was imposed in the town. According to sources, a day before the Bakrid festival (on September 24), two people, who were buying cows from a local slaughter house, were confronted by a group of people opposing the business. The incident took place near Ravi Theatre in Rayachoti town and resulted in a dispute between the two communities.
Meanwhile, as per the orders issued by the district administration against cow-slaughter, the police conducted checks and seized a lorry loaded with cows in the district. Resenting these two issues, a group of protesters staged a dharna near the police station in Rayachoti and also pelted stones, causing injuries to the cops. With a view to bringing the situation under control, the police opened tear gas shells and fired 50 rounds.
However, the irate agitators put two police vehicles on fire and damaged government property.
“A mob gathered at the police station in no time and the police had no clue. Despite several efforts, the situation only turned worse. In the town, almost 50 two-wheelers were damaged.
As there was no option, the police department took the decision to impose curfew in the town and this will continue until the law and order situation limps back to normalcy,” a police officer said.
ASP Rahul Dev Sharma and Pulivendula ASP Anburajan were appointed to over the security measures. Also, four deputy superintendents (DSPs), nine sub-inspectors (SIs) and special party teams were deployed.