Already in the process of framing a stringent law to clamp down on cow slaughter, the BJP government in Haryana has now decided to impose a complete ban on the sale of beef in the state. The ban will also cover canned beef, which had been legal during the tenure of previous Congress government, and will prevent restaurants from listing the meat on their menus.

Haryana Animal Husbandry Minister O P Dhankar said the law banning cow slaughter, which has proposed 10 years for violators, will be presented in the ongoing Budgest Session of the state Vidhan Sabha, after which, the sale of beef will be made illegal and punishable.

“The Gau Sanrakshan Avm Gau Samwardhan (Cattle protection and promotion) law is being framed after studying such existing provisions in different states. Our law will be more stringent and will have the provision of 10-year imprisonment for those found guilty of cow slaughter. Action would also be taken against the driver of the vehicle carrying beef. The vehicle used for the purpose will also be impounded,” Dhankar said. He, however, clarified that violators will not be charged with murder.

The Animal Husbandry minister further said measures will be taken to protect the state’s livestock. “There is a proposal to set up cattle-reserves for these 1.5 lakh stray cows for which land is being identified in various parts of the state. Cattle-reserve or sanctuary would be set up in any district adjoining Rajasthan,” Dhankar added.

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