Pune: To prevent animal slaughter on Khande Navami, a day prior to Dussehra, at Tuljapur, crusader for vegetarianism and founder of Sarva Jeev Mangal Pratishthan Dr Kalyan Gangwal has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to
intervene.
Dr Gangwal has asked the CM to ask the police to take action against those who indulge in such a practice.
Dr Gangwal said that for the last 21 years, his organisation is involved in creating awareness among devotees to stop the slaughter of animals. He observed that every year, devotees from different sections of society, regardless of their educational background, carry out animal sacrifices in the name of tradition. The temple of Tulja-Bhavani at Tuljapur in Osmanabad district is known for such practices, said Gangwal.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Gangwal said, “We have personally tried to convince devotees to stop slaughtering animals and birds by visiting these temples, but this has led to only minimal impact. However, with the help of social activist Anna Hazare, we could successfully stop animal slaughter at Punekarwadi.”
He said awareness can be created among people, but the government should make laws to stop slaughter of animals for religious reasons. He said this practice is performed at 3,000 places in the State and Maximum slaughtering takes place during the yatra or fair at various temples.
