Strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb peace or communal harmony during the forthcoming Bakrid festival, said C.V. Anand, Telangana DGP, on Wednesday as police intensified security and surveillance measures across the State.

Chairing a video conference with Police Commissioners and Superintendents of Police from all districts, the DGP reviewed preparedness measures along with senior officials from the Municipal Administration, Animal Husbandry and Revenue departments.

The meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary for Municipal Administration and Urban Development Jayesh Ranjan, Animal Husbandry Secretary K. Ilambarthi and other senior police officials.

The DGP said police officers had been instructed to strictly prevent illegal transportation and trafficking of cattle during Bakrid, following directions issued during review meetings chaired by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

Describing Bakrid as a sensitive festival from a law and order perspective, he stressed the need for heightened vigilance to prevent communal tension or clashes. Referring to recent incidents of illegal cattle transportation, he said the video conference was organised to ensure effective implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures.

Police officials were directed to strictly enforce the Telangana Cow Slaughter Act, 1977, the Transport of Animals Rules, 1978, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The DGP warned that stringent legal action would be initiated against those violating cattle transportation rules.

According to the police, 52 inter-state check posts have been established along the borders with Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, in addition to 203 check posts set up across Telangana to curb illegal cattle smuggling.

Officials were instructed to intensify vehicle checks in suspicious areas and maintain surveillance over cattle fairs likely to be organised during the next fortnight. Police were also directed to thoroughly verify ‘Fit for Transport’ and ‘Fit for Slaughter’ certificates related to cattle transportation at all check posts until the completion of the festival.

He advised members of Qureshi associations and cow protection groups against resorting to road blockades or confrontations based merely on suspicion regarding cattle transportation. He said criminal cases would be registered against violators, and rowdy sheets or suspect sheets would be opened wherever necessary.

Heads of commissionerates and districts were instructed to hold separate coordination meetings with representatives of both groups to prevent misunderstandings and avoid tension at the local level.

Officials were directed to form special WhatsApp groups at district and field levels for real-time communication and information sharing.

Police were further instructed to ensure proper arrangements for seized cattle, including shelters, fodder and water facilities. The official also directed officials to maintain strict vigil on social media platforms and warned that those posting provocative or misleading content would be identified and dealt with as per law.

Municipal Administration and Urban Development officials said municipal authorities had been placed on alert ahead of the festival, while the Animal Husbandry Department stated that veterinary doctors would remain available round the clock to issue certificates required for cattle transportation.