Ahmedabad Court Sentences Man to 8 Years in Beef Seizure Case, Imposes ₹2 Lakh Fine After 65 Kg Recovery

An Ahmedabad City Sessions Court has sentenced Qayamuddin Qureshi to eight years of imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹2 lakh after police seized 65 kg of beef during a raid at a shop in Isanpur in 2020.

The case dates back to May 5, 2020, when police raided Shop No. 14 at Faisal Park in Isanpur at around 11.15 am. During the operation, officers recovered 65 kg of allegedly illegally slaughtered beef, along with meat-cutting tools, weighing scales and hooks used for hanging meat.

A complaint was registered at Isanpur Police Station against Qureshi and another person under various legal provisions, including the Gujarat Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

DNA and FSL Reports Strengthen Prosecution Case

During the trial, the testimony of the police officer who conducted the raid and scientific evidence played a significant role in establishing the prosecution's case.

DNA analysis and reports from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) were among the key pieces of evidence considered by the court.

The defence argued that Qureshi was not present at the shop during the raid because he had tested positive for COVID-19 during the lockdown. However, the court rejected this argument after examining the evidence.

Co-Accused Gets Benefit of Lack of Evidence

The court found insufficient evidence to establish the involvement of the second accused.

There was no independent or direct evidence linking the co-accused to the offence. Police had also failed to seize any vehicle or produce supporting evidence beyond the statement allegedly made by the main accused.

Consequently, the charges against the co-accused could not be established.

The court sentenced Qayamuddin Qureshi to eight years in prison and imposed a fine of ₹2 lakh after considering the police evidence, forensic findings and other material presented during the trial.