The Gujarat High Court has refused to grant bail to a Muslim man accused of cow slaughter and illegal beef transportation, noting that he allegedly continued involvement in similar offences despite having eight previous cases registered against him.
Justice Hasmukh D. Suthar passed the order on June 18 while rejecting the regular bail plea of Mohammad Aarif Abdul Razak Samol, who has been in judicial custody since January 3, 2026. The case was registered at the Godhra Town B Division Police Station in Panchmahal district under provisions of the Gujarat Animal Preservation Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the Gujarat Police Act, Maktoob Media reported.
According to the prosecution, police received information on December 1, 2025, alleging that Samol had transported suspected beef in a car and stored it in a plot near his residence. During a subsequent raid, officials claimed to have recovered around 23 kilograms of suspected beef, along with a knife, a weighing scale, and other items allegedly linked to slaughtering and selling beef. Police also stated that three other accused persons escaped and remain untraced.
Samol’s lawyers argued that the investigation had been completed, the chargesheet had been submitted, and no further recovery was required. They also pointed out that the trial could take considerable time to conclude.
The prosecution opposed the bail request, arguing that Samol was a repeat offender who had faced eight earlier cases involving similar allegations. It claimed that he continued such activities even after receiving bail in previous matters.
After reviewing the case records, Justice Suthar noted the accused’s criminal history and observed that the allegations indicated a repeated pattern of conduct. The court held that the circumstances suggested a possible misuse of earlier bail relief and that societal concerns outweighed the accused’s request for release.
The court observed that repeated allegations involving illegal slaughter and transportation of cattle could affect public order and social harmony. It also referred to the religious significance of cows among sections of Indian society including members of the Hindu and Jain communities and said that such offences could lead to public sentiment being affected and tensions arising in local communities.
Justice Suthar referred to Articles 48 and 51A(g) of the Constitution, stating that they reflect the constitutional objective of protecting and preserving cattle.
While relying on the Supreme Court’s observations in Ash Mohammad v. Shiv Raj Singh @ Lalla Babu & Anr., the High Court noted that personal liberty is a fundamental consideration but cannot be viewed in isolation from broader concerns such as public order and the enforcement of law.
The court rejected the bail application but directed the trial court to expedite the proceedings. Since the prosecution had listed only 26 witnesses, many of whom were official witnesses, the High Court asked authorities to ensure that important witnesses are examined promptly so that the accused’s right to a speedy trial is protected.