Maharashtra court cites doubtful evidence, acquits 3 in cattle slaughter case

A court in Maharashtra's Alibag acquitted three men, including Sayyad and Chaudhary, in a 2018 cattle slaughter case; one accused, Faki, died during trial.

The court cited material contradictions in witness evidence regarding the collection of seized meat samples and said the raid violated statutory provisions under the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act (MAPA).

Police claimed to have seized 75 kg of 'cow flesh' and other items, but the defence argued that witnesses were not independent, including a Vishva Hindu Parishad member.

Discrepancies were noted: police said samples were collected from residences, but a veterinary doctor said he examined them at a police station; witnesses differed on the number of boxes used.

The court held that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to acquittal.