Bombay HC issues notice to Maha Govt. over petition seeking security for meat traders

The Bombay High Court on Monday issued a notice to the Maharashtra Government in regard to a petition filed by meat traders seeking security.

Earlier, social worker and businessman Shadab Patel filed a PIL in the Bombay High Court, seeking 24-hour security for meat shop owners. Patel also requested for meat shop owners to be granted a license to keep weapons in their shops.

The state has been asked to file its reply highlighting its readiness to deal with cow vigilantism and the antics of the gau rakshaks.

Hearing has been adjourned till Wednesday.

The petition comes in the wake of a series of attacks on meat traders in the name of cow vigilamtis. On July 12, Nagpur-based Salim Ismail Shah was beaten badly for carrying meat on his motorcycle. Similarly, in May, two meat traders in Malegaon were attacked by Bajrang Dal members and forced to chant "Jai Sri Ram''.

Several other instances along the same lines have also been reported from other pockets of the state, including Vashi, Nallasopara and Ahmednagar.