Mangaluru: In a landmark move, authorities in Dakshina Kannada district have seized a house and an illegal slaughterhouse linked to cow slaughter, marking the first such action in the district. The crackdown comes amid growing concern over rising cases of cow theft, illegal transport, and attacks on law enforcement officials in the coastal belt.
The case revolves around Mohammed Hasanabba, a resident of Pudu village under the Bantwal Rural Police Station, who has been arrested for illegal cow slaughter and theft. He has been charged under Section 303 of the BNS, Sections 4, 7, and 12 of the Karnataka Cow Preservation Act, and Section 11(d) of the Cow Slaughter Prohibition Act. The charges were filed under Police Case No. 123/2025, and he has been produced before the court.
Police records show that Hasanabba is a repeat offender. He was previously booked in 2017 under Sections 379 IPC, 4, 5, and 11 of the Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, and again in 2018 under case number 88/2018. Those cases are still under investigation, indicating a long history of involvement in cattle theft and slaughter networks.
Investigations revealed that Hasanabba had constructed an illegal slaughterhouse inside his residence without any license.
Stolen cattle were allegedly slaughtered there and the meat sold to illegal markets. Based on police reports, the Assistant Commissioner and Sub-Divisional Magistrate ordered the seizure of his property. On September 25, 2025, under complaint number M.A.G/SR.44/2025, house numbers 6-54 and 6-54(1) in Maripalla Padi under Pudu Gram Panchayat limits were officially taken into government custody. The action was carried out under Sections 8(4) and 8(5) of the Karnataka Cattle Slaughter Prevention and Protection Act, 2020, by Mangaluru sub-divisional authorities.
Police officials described the seizure as a historic first in Dakshina Kannada, underscoring their resolve to act tough against illegal cattle-related activities. District Police sources said this would serve as a warning to repeat offenders that their properties too could be confiscated.
Cow smuggling turns violent, police personnel attacked
In a separate but related case, police arrested two men for attempting to kill policemen during an illegal cow smuggling operation near the Hejamadi toll gate in late September. The accused have been identified as Mohammed Azim Kapu and Mohammed Rajik Bajpe.
According to police, a Fortuner SUV carrying five to six cattle was stopped for inspection. When questioned, the accused taunted the police, asking, “Have you come this far in search of us?” before trying to mow them down by ramming the vehicle. One policeman sustained injuries in the attack.
While some accused managed to flee the scene, police arrested Sharoj from Surathkal, who was also in the car. Following further investigation, Azim Kapu and Rajik Bajpe were arrested and later remanded to judicial custody. Police have launched a search for the remaining accused.
Officials have stressed that such violent resistance and repeated violations will not be tolerated. “Illegal cow slaughter and smuggling not only cause communal tensions but also threaten law and order. Those who think they can repeatedly violate the law should be aware that strict action, including seizure of property, will follow,” a senior police officer said.
