Cow slaughter was for disturbing harmony

Mandsaur, MP, Jan 8 (UNI) The recent slaughter of nearly 100 cows in slate mines at Pityakhedi village near this district town was done for money and with the motive of disturbing harmony, the police said today.

''A post-mortem revealed that the bovines were killed about ten hours prior to the discovery of carcasses. A large group took the contract that was offered from outside,'' Inspector-General (Ujjain Range) Anil Kumar told mediapersons here without specifying which place he was referring to.

Stating that cases were registered against 52 persons, the officer added that the National Security Act was invoked against nine and six of them were arrested.

''The situation here is peaceful and five companies of armed security personnel have been deployed,'' Mr Kumar explained.

Collector Nitesh Vyas this morning lifted prohibitory orders that were imposed on January 6.

''A proposal has been sent to the government for cancelling nine mining leases over 41 hectares in the vicinity of Pityakhedi and Buglia,'' he said.

Official sources said that Ishaq, a teacher posted at a government school in Dhiknia village, was suspended as he is suspected to have played a role in the exchange of money. Multanpura village Sarpanch Saleem said that a panchayat meeting yesterday decided to socially boycott those involved in the case.

UNI