FIR Registered After Truck Driver Runs Over Cow in East Godavari, Following PETA India Intervention
After being alerted to a horrific incident of a truck running over a cow who was trying to cross the highway, leaving the cow with broken bones on the road and not stopping and offering help, PETA India worked with a local activist, Mr Vijay Kishore Palika, to ensure a First Information Report (FIR) was registered in the matter. Based on CCTV footage of the incident, Smt C.H. Jeevana, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), of East Godavari District of the Rajanagaram Police Station has registered an FIR under Sections 325, 281 and 291 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960 against the truck driver.
The CCTV footage shows the cow in full view, trying to cross the highway, while a car approaches and slows down on seeing her, but the truck driver not slowing down or stopping, running over the cow. The truck driver then fled the scene. The cow was rescued and provided first aid by the local NGO, Jeeva Aaradhya Organisation, and will be transferred to a facility for expert veterinary care.
Section 325 of the BNS, 2023, categorises the maiming or killing of any animal as a cognisable offence and prescribes a punishment of imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years, or with a fine, or with both.
PETA India points out stray cows and calves are usually discards from the dairy industry. Male calves are routinely abandoned shortly after birth since they cannot produce milk, while cows are discarded once their milk yield declines, at just a fraction of their natural lifespan. They often end up on roadsides and in overcrowded, underfunded gaushalas, where poor sanitation, close confinement, and lack of veterinary care put the animals and surrounding communities at risk of disease. Calves are also often left to starve, and animals from dairy industries are also commonly turned into beef and leather. PETA India urges the public to opt for milk made from coconuts, almonds, soya, or other plants to prevent this violence.
PETA India urges anyone who comes across an injured animal to immediately contact a veterinarian or an animal rescue group for help. It’s also important to stay with the animal and ensure they’re properly treated and tended to. PETA India operates a 24/7 animal emergency line, 9820122602, where callers can receive local contacts and advice.
