Amid reports of killing of cows on Eid ul-Adha, popularly known as Bakrid, Telangana home minister Mahmood Ali has requested Muslims to desist from giving "qurbani" of bovine animals during the festival, which will be celebrated on August 12.

"Cows are respected, worshipped. Instead, I suggest you give "qurbani" of smaller animals like goats and sheep. Telangana is known to maintain strict law and order. This year too our police will be checking vehicles transporting animals for Bakrid," said Ali.

However, not everyone believes in Ali's intentions. BJP legislator Raja Singh said, "Though there's a Supreme Court order not to kill cows, calves and buffaloes, quite often we get to see instances of killings of cows. If the Telangana home minister is serious in his appeal, he should ensure it on the ground. He should first increase police presence in the old city [of Hyderabad] during Bakrid where the sacrifice of cows is an open secret.''

Singh said he along with his team of "gau rakshaks" will be active in all districts of the state and will intercept any transport vehicle that carries cows.

In Hyderabad and in almost all parts of the state, thousands of animals are sacrificed every year on Bakrid.

Zee Media Newsroom