Assurance follows public outrage over the slaughter of four cattle in Phansavale village of Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri, Maharashtra – Following widespread public outrage over the brutal slaughter of cattle in Phansavale village, the District Superintendent of Police, Nitin Bagate, has promised the immediate formation of dedicated flying squads (bharari dal) to dismantle illegal cattle smuggling networks and animal slaughter operations across Ratnagiri district.
The assurance came on June 24, 2026, after a massive protest was staged outside the SP office by various devout Hindu organisations, gau-rakshaks, and devout Hindus. The protestors also submitted a memorandum to the SP demanding immediate arrest of the unidentified perpetrators and robust administrative action to curb the rising incidents of cattle crime in the region.
Protesters pointed out that despite the state government elevating the cow to the status of ‘Rajyamata’ (State Mother), open violations continue to occur, raising concerns over the effectiveness of current law enforcement measures.
In response, SP Nitin Bagate stated that several crackdowns on such crimes have been executed since he assumed office. He assured the delegation that he is personally monitoring the Phansavale investigation and that concrete results would be visible shortly.
Key demands in the memorandum
The public outcry stems from a grim discovery on June 21, 2026, in the Tambadyacha Parya area of Phansavale village, under the jurisdiction of the Ratnagiri Rural Police Station. Investigators estimate that approximately four cattle were slaughtered a couple of days prior, with authorities recovering around 1.5 tonnes of beef from the scene. A formal criminal case has been registered.
The memorandum submitted to the SP outlines several urgent demands:
rt, ensuring the strictest punishment under the cases registered against them under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act.
- Immediate Arrests on a War Footing: The unidentified accused involved in the brutal slaughter of approximately four cattle in the Tambadyacha Parya area of Phansavale village must be tracked down and arrested immediately on a war footing.
- Fast-Track Trial: A special public prosecutor must be appointed to conduct the trial in a fast-track court, ensuring the strictest possible punishment under the registered cases under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act.
- Formation of Special Flying Squads: Dedicated flying squads (bharari dal) must be formed immediately to systematically dismantle the network of illegal animal transportation and cow slaughter throughout the district, backed by strict administrative instructions to the police force.
- Application of MCOCA: Given the organized nature of these repeated offenses, strict action must be taken against the accused under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
- Enhanced CCTV Surveillance: CCTV cameras must be installed at all necessary and vulnerable locations, and electronic surveillance must be significantly upgraded at all police checkpoints across the district.
- Addressing Public Sentiments and Health Concerns: Strict note must be taken of the fact that discarding cattle remains in the open was a deliberate attempt to hurt Hindu religious sentiments and disturb regional social peace, while the resulting foul odour created a severe threat to public health.
- Ultimatum for District-Wide Agitation: If the main masterminds and perpetrators behind this incident are not apprehended swiftly, all devout Hindu organisations will launch a massive, widespread agitation across Ratnagiri district.
The protest saw significant participation from members and representatives of multiple organisations, including Shri Shivamanthistan Hindusthan, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Sanatan Sanstha, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, Gadkille Samvardhan Pratishthan, Vishwamangal Goshala, Someshwar Go Seva Sangh Ratnagiri, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
