Bhatkal: A delegation from Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, a century-old and prominent Muslim social organization in Bhatkal, met with District Superintendent of Police (SP) M. Narayan in Karwar. The delegation urged the authorities to expose the network involved in cattle theft, take strict legal action against the culprits, and provide details of traders in Bhatkal who have been purchasing stolen cattle meat. The Tanzeem made it clear that if any traders are found guilty of buying such meat, they will face a social boycott.

Tanzeem’s stand: Strong opposition to theft and forbidden meat
Led by Tanzeem President Inayatullah Shabandri, the delegation met with the SP and senior police officials, assuring them of full cooperation in legal action against cattle thieves. They emphasized that Muslims do not support such crimes and that consuming meat from stolen cattle is strictly forbidden in Islam. Following media reports on the issue, Tanzeem had previously imposed a one-month ban on meat consumption in Bhatkal.

Inayatullah Shahbandri stated, "We have never supported cattle thieves. It is essential to arrest these elements and expose their entire network. However, it is unfortunate that after the arrest of thieves, the media repeatedly associates their names with Bhatkal in an attempt to tarnish the town’s reputation. We want to clarify that the Muslims of Bhatkal do not consume meat from stolen cattle, nor do they support such thieves in any way."

Referring to the incident in Honnavar where a pregnant cow was stolen and slaughtered, he said that all Muslims in Bhatkal strongly condemn the act. He acknowledged that the police had arrested the accused but raised concerns over the police shooting a suspect in custody. Questioning the necessity of this action, he pointed out, "In 2017, when the police were attacked in Kumta, and IGP Hemant Nimbalkar's vehicle was set on fire, no one was shot. But now, a suspect in custody has been targeted, causing concern among the people."

Tanzeem General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb M.J. and Political Panel Convener Advocate Imran Lanka also sought clarifications from the SP, stating that such incidents create distrust among the public.

SP’s Response:
SP M. Narayan listened attentively to the delegation and appreciated Tanzeem’s transparent approach and support for legal actions. He clarified that no individual from Bhatkal was found involved in the Honnavar cattle theft and slaughter case. He further stated that the prime suspect, Waseem, is not a resident of Bhatkal, and other suspects were from villages near Honnavar. However, he admitted that stolen cattle meat had been sold in Bhatkal and assured the delegation that the police would provide a list of traders involved in purchasing and distributing such meat.

Addressing the police shooting incident, SP Narayan explained that the accused was taken to the panchnama were he attacked the police with sharp weapons, injuring three officers, one of whom is still admitted to Manipal Hospital. In response, the police had to act in self-defense and shot the suspect in the leg.

The SP assured the delegation that the police are actively pursuing cattle theft cases and taking the right actions. He also clarified that cattle thieves are not from any one community; both Hindus and Muslims are involved in such crimes. "We do not view this issue through a religious lens. A thief is a thief, and strict legal action will be taken against all criminals, regardless of their background," he asserted.

SP M. Narayan thanked the Bhatkal Tanzeem delegation for traveling to Karwar for an in-person discussion and assured them that the police will not harass any innocent individuals under any circumstances.

Tanzeem holds press conference, presents clear stance:

After meeting SP M. Narayan, the Bhatkal Tanzeem delegation held a press conference at the Karwar Vartha office, where they reiterated their clear stance. They emphasized that Muslims do not consume meat from stolen cattle and do not support such thieves. Tanzeem President Inayatullah Shahbandri strongly condemned the theft and slaughter of a pregnant cow in Honnavar. He recalled that earlier, when a video clip showing cattle being transported in a vehicle in the Jali area of Bhatkal went viral on social media, the Bhatkal’s Muslims had stopped purchasing beef for an entire month due to suspicions of stolen cattle meat being supplied. They had also socially boycotted all meat suppliers.

He further stated, "If reports continue to surface that stolen cattle meat is being distributed in Bhatkal, we are ready to boycott the purchase of questionable meat not just for a month, but even for a year—until the cattle thieves are arrested and the list of those buying stolen meat is made public."

Advocate Imran Lanka, speaking at the press conference, urged the media and the public not to fall for attempts to communalize the district for political gains, similar to the Paresh Mesta incident that took place in December 2017 in Honnavar, in which the CBI submitted a 'B' report and concluded that the death of 18-year-old Paresh Mesta was an accident. Lanka emphasized that people had successfully foiled such attempts in the past and stressed the need for an impartial investigation into the cattle theft incidents as well.

The Tanzeem delegation included the President, General Secretary, and Political Panel Convener, along with Administration Secretary Jailani Shahbandari, Accountant Iqbal Suhail, and executive members Muhiuddin Altaf Kharuri, Azizur Rahman Rukunuddin Nadvi, Abdul Maajeed Rukunuddin, Adam Panambur, and Jafar Haider, among others.