BJP Slams Fisheries Minister Over Cow Theft Remarks

Cow theft has been happening for several years. I have told the SP that this should stop and should not happen at any cost. It is wrong. We worship cows. We affectionately rear this animal. Mankal S Vaidya, State fisheries and ports minister

- HT Correspondent

BENGALURU: A political controversy has erupted in Karnataka a day after fisheries and ports minister Mankal S Vaidya said that those involved in cow thefts would be shot at. BJP slammed the minister for making such provocative statements.

Addressing the media in Karwar on Monday, Vaidya said: "Cow theft has been happening for several years. I have told the SP (Superintendent of Police) that this should stop and should not happen at any cost. It is wrong. We worship cows. We affectionately rear this animal. We grow up drinking its milk."

Vaidya stated that cow thefts in Uttara Kannada have been an ongoing issue for years and that he has instructed the police to adopt a zero-tolerance approach. "They have been told to take stringent action in cases of cow theft," he said.

"Arrests have been made (in some cases) - if such things continue - it may be wrong if I say this. I will ensure that they (accused) are shot on the road or at the circle. Work, earn and eat. There are enough jobs available in our district. We won't support such people at any cost," he said.