Court: Bullock can’t be taken on two-wheeler; vehicle freed

Ahmedabad: A court here has ordered the police to release a two-wheeler caught in a cow slaughter case, saying that a bullock cannot be transported on a two-wheeler.

The court’s comment came after the prosecution opposed the owner’s request to get back the possession of the vehicle, which had been seized on the grounds that it was used for perpetrating cruelty towards animals.

According to the case details, on Dec 6, 2025, the Shaherkotda police raided a place in Madhubhai Mill compound on a tip-off that an illegal slaughterhouse was being run on the premises.

The police party received information that the accused persons had brought two bullocks there. When they raided the premises, one of the bullocks had been allegedly slaughtered and another was found alive. The police arrested seven persons, including Faisal Shaikh from Bapunagar, from the spot.

The police also seized six vehicles, including five two-wheelers and an autorickshaw. Those arrested were charged under the provisions of cow protection laws: the Gujarat Animal Preservation Act, besides the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporation Act and the Gujarat Police Act.

After getting bail, Shaikh requested the trial court at Gheekanta to release his two-wheeler – Suzuki Access 125, but his application was rejected on April 3. This brought him to the city sessions court, where his lawyer argued that the vehicle was not used directly or indirectly in the offence, and releasing it would not hamper the investigation as it is rusting in the police station. The prosecution opposed the plea and argued that the vehicle was illegally used in the offence.

After the hearing, the court stated, “The offence is regarding purchase of two bullocks and one of them was slaughtered. Naturally, a bullock cannot be brought on a two-wheeler and if the FIR is taken into consideration, the two-wheeler taken into custody by the investigating officer was not used in transportation of the animals. It was lying at the place of raid and there is no allegation that it was used in transportation of the animals. The trial court’s order appears erroneous and requires interference.” With this observation, the court ordered release of the two-wheeler on furnishing the bond of 1.5 times the vehicle’s value.