NEW DELHI: Three Muslim men transporting buffaloes in a truck were allegedly roughed up by members of an animal rights group in south-east Delhi’s Kalkaji area, following which cross-complaints have been registered.
The three men Rizwan (25), Ashu (28) and Kamil (25) were legally transporting the animals as they had the transit documents.
“It was not a matter of illegal transportation of cattle but carrying them in a cruel and inhuman manner,” deputy commissioner of police (southeast) Romil Baaniya said on Sunday.
Police registered two FIRs. One against the three men for cruelty towards animals under section 429 (mischief by killing or maiming cattle) of IPC and provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act on a complaint by the PFA members and the other, for the assault against them.
According to the police, they received a PCR call last night from one Gaurav Gupta, an animal activist and office bearer of PFA (People for Animals), claiming that buffaloes were being transported illegally.
The occupants of the truck claimed that they had been roughed up by a group of animal rights activists led by Gupta.
However, the PFA denied any association with the incident. Union minister Maneka Gandhi is one of the founding members of People For Animals and is also its chairperson.
“We have no PFA unit in Delhi. We have 10,000 volunteers across the country. Whoever acted did so in his individual capacity,” Gandhi’s office said.
Medical examination of the injured persons was carried out at AIIMS Trauma Centre and the truck carrying buffaloes was seized by the police.
Further investigation is underway.
Police said they are verifying whether the people who intercepted the truck are members of the PFA and after reaching a conclusion they’ll decide the future course of action.
agency input