Slaughtering cows now punishable with life imprisonment in Gujarat
'A cow is not an animal,' says Gujarat Law Minister Pradipsinh Jadeja. 'It is a symbol of universal life'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Slaughtering cows will now be punishable with life imprisonment in the Indian state of Gujarat.
Politicians passed a law that will also includes 10-years behind bars for anyone found guilty of transporting beef.
Cows are considered sacred by Hindus and the killing of cows is illegal in many states across the nation.
"A cow is not an animal. It is a symbol of universal life," Gujarat Law Minister Pradipsinh Jadeja told the state's assembly, according to Al Jazeera. "Anybody who does not spare the cow, the government will not spare him."
The fines for committing the crime have also been doubled from 50,000 rupees (£615) to 100,000 rupees (£1230).
Gujarat now has the toughest laws in India on the slaughter of cows.
The issue itself is a hot topic in India and can often lead to religious riots and murderous reprisals.
In 2015 a 50-year-old Muslim man who was accused of eating beef was dragged from his home and beaten to death by a mob.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments