Gujarat: Man accused of cow slaughter dies in police custody; government orders judicial probe

After a man accused of cow slaughter died in police custody in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district, his family have accused police of torturing him to death.

The Gujarat government today ordered a judicial probe into Kodar Gamar's death. Gamar's son has alleged that police demanded Rs 4 lakh to secure his release. Meanwhile, police say Gamar died because of health issues.

The Gujarat Assembly in March amended the Gujarat Animal Preservation Act of 1954 to make cow slaughter a non-bailable offence and punishable with life imprisonment. As well, people found to be in possession of beef in the state can now slapped with a fine that can range from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, and imprisoned for seven to 10 years.