Chaos in Jharkhand assembly over cow slaughter

Ranchi, March 12 The Jharkhand assembly Monday witnessed chaotic scenes amid heated arguments over the issue of cow slaughter, which allegedly continues in the state despite a ban.

During the question hour, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Satyanand Bhokta said cow slaughter and smuggling of beef was rampant in the state.

'One truck, laden with beef, overturned in Chatra district. But police officials ensured that the beef went outside the state,' Bhokta charged, citing an example.

Said leader of opposition Arjun Munda: 'The government should clarify its stand on how beef is smuggled and cows slaughtered despite an anti-cow slaughter act having been enforced in the state.'

BJP members shouted slogans like 'Cow slaughter will not be allowed in the state' and 'Book the culprits'.

'We will look into the matter and suitable action will be taken in accordance with law. When an anti-cow slaughter act is place in the state, we will definitely enforce the law,' said Deputy Chief Minister Stephen Marandi.