Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced the invocation of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against individuals involved in cow slaughter and trafficking. This decisive action comes as the state intensifies its crackdown on such illegal activities.
Enacted in 1999, MCOCA is designed to combat organised crime, including mafia operations and violent criminal undertakings in Maharashtra. It allows for stronger penalties, extended police custody, and more stringent bail conditions compared to standard laws, aimed at disrupting repeat offenders engaged in crimes such as extortion, murder, and trafficking.
During a session in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Fadnavis emphasized the government’s commitment to monitoring cow smuggling cases closely and vowed to take strict measures against those who repeatedly engage in these offenses.
The issue was brought to the Assembly’s attention by a notice from an NCP MLA, highlighting the case of Atiq Qureshi, a notorious figure in cow trafficking.
Officials revealed that Qureshi has been implicated in 20 cow smuggling cases within Ahilyanagar district. Although he was arrested on January 20, he was released on bail by March 1.
Fadnavis, who also oversees the Home department, stated that law enforcement will be directed to apply MCOCA charges against repeat offenders like Qureshi, reinforcing the state’s zero-tolerance approach.
FADNAVIS’S STRONG STANCE ON LAW AND ORDER
In a show of determination, Fadnavis reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order during the Assembly session.
The previous day, he delivered a stern warning to rioters in Nagpur, promising severe consequences for those who assaulted police officers. He declared, “Those who attacked police during the Nagpur unrest will face the full force of the law. Assaults on law enforcement are unacceptable, and we will hold those responsible accountable.”
