AVTAR SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard learned counsel for the parties.

(2.) This order will dispose of the above mentioned criminal miscellaneous petitions as the same arise from FIR No.161 dated 25.10.2008.

(3.) The petitioners seek pre-arrest bail in a case registered against them for the offences under Sections 295 and 120-B Indian Penal Code and Section 4-A and 4-B read with Section 8 of the Punjab Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955 ('Act' for short) as also Section 3 of the Act which was added later registered at Police Station Sadar Sangrur. The FIR in the case has been registered on the statement of Satish Kumar who has alleged that he received secret information that the petitioners have been slaughtering cows at Dashmesh Dhaba which is situated within the limit of Village Khurana whose owners are Avtar Singh and Gurtej Singh (petitioners in Criminal Misc. No.M-32901 of 2008). It is submitted that their organization was working to safeguard the cows for the last 20 years. They have received secret information that Dilshad Hazi alias Mohd. Dilshad and Imran Hazi alias Imran Qurashi (petitioners in Criminal Misc. No.M-3569 of 2009) after slaughtering the cows in the go-down of palace situated on Sangrur Bhawanigarh road at Village Khurana on the rear side of Dashmesh Dhaba in connivance with the owner of the palace, namely, Avtar Singh sell beef in U.P. and Delhi. In this work Matluf son of Abdul Hamid and Rehas are also conniving. The names of other companions have also been mentioned including that of one Billa and nephew of Dilshad Hazi, namely, Kallu; besides Sultan and their two brothers. For carrying the said work it is alleged that Dilshad Hazi used his vehicles, the number of which are mentioned. The President of Dhanola Truck Union, namely, Moju loaded the cows from Dhanola and received Rs.3,000/- per truck for the said work. The sentiments of the Hindu and Sikh religions are attached with the cows. The said persons, it is alleged, hurt the feelings of every person by slaughtering the cows. Cow slaughtering, it is submitted, is totally banned in Punjab State despite that the activities are being carried out.