7 cops suspended over negligence in cow slaughter case

Bareilly: Seven policemen, including two sub-inspectors, were suspended on Monday for gross negligence in handling a sensitive cow slaughter case in Izzatnagar area of Bareilly. The action follows the recovery of cattle remains stuffed in sacks from a drain in Faridapur Chaudhary village last week.An FIR was registered under Sections 3/8 of the Cow Slaughter Prevention Act. During the probe, a report submitted by the circle officer (City III) found serious dereliction of duty by these police personnel, prompting immediate administrative action.Those suspended include sub-inspectors Umesh Kumar Rai and Amit Kumar, head constables Mohammad Saleem, Pappu Ram, Manoj Kumar and Sarvesh Kumar, and constable Arun Kumar. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated against all of them.Meanwhile, three teams were formed to intensify the crackdown on cattle smugglers. Early Monday, police intercepted three suspects near Kendriya Vidyalaya in Izzatnagar. When the accused allegedly opened fire, police retaliated, injuring and arresting them. A constable also sustained injuries.SSP Anurag Arya said a total of six accused have been arrested in connection with the case. They include Fida Hussain, Ashfaq, Ajay Singh, Nandkishore alias Chhotu, Surendra and Karan Singh.Fida and Ashfaq were involved in slaughtering cows and bulls in nearby forest areas, while the others stole and supplied stray cattle. The gang reportedly earned around Rs 2,500 per cow and Rs 5,000 per bull, with the meat being sold at approximately Rs 150 per kg.