Ethics Case Study: India is facing the burning issue of cow protectionism which is also witnessed by many self-appointed “cow protectors” who have committed brutal attacks against Muslims and Dalits over rumors that they sold, bought, or killed cows for beef. You are a senior investigation officer and from source you got to know that a social activist involved in cow protection is smuggling cows in lure of money. While investigating you found that he is in contact with various slaughtering houses where he used to supply cows. He is a reputed activist and considered responsible and honest by other social activists which debars him from being doubted by others of any malpractices. He used to take advantages of this trust of masses on him and on the backdrop of it, he used to carry (transport) cows without any security problems. No one from the security was questioning him for such movement due to his reputation. 1. There is a sure possibility of being fire up communal violence upon his arrest which may trigger law and order problems everywhere. How will you control this situation? 2. Considering the entire situation, what course of action do you think is possible? Justify your actions with suitable measures. (250 W / 15 M)

Model Answer:

The case involves the burning issues of cow protectionisms followed by mob lynching. A range of atrocities — assault, rape, lynching, intimidation — make up the roster of these crimes every day.

In the above case where reputed social activist involved in cow trade, the investigating officer should gather all valid proof of his misconduct and make a report out of this. His conduct should be assessed based on the fact that it is illegal or not. If illegal, the police force should be made aware about possible danger of his arrest and should be asked to remain ready for any action. The investigating officer should inform his bosses about the incident and seek for proper action.

The report should be published in media with proper evidence and at the same time the movement of activists should be tracked. The general public should be taken in confidence by showing the evidences. The activists should be arrested and kept in secret places with utmost security.

The law and order should properly be maintained and any sort of violence should be tackled with proper action. If general public come on street for protest, they should be stopped and arrested if need arises. If the situation becomes uncontrollable, the investigation offices should sought for implementing curfew for controlling the situation.

Article 48 of our constitution says the state shall “organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and shall, in particular, take steps for preserving and improving the breeds, and prohibiting the slaughter, of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.”

In this line the action of the investigating officer should be properly organised. Arresting the activist will prove that the law and order is being implemented in proper manner. Publishing report in media about Illegal trade, breaching public trust etc will bring public confidence in law and order and may lower the protest and violence.

Maintaining law and order is the work of administration and police. By asking police to be ready for any sort of situation and action is a positive step in protecting law and order.

Working on the line of law and order proves officer’s integrity, honesty, compatibility, responsibility towards fair justice and service delivery. Breach of law and order should not be tolerated in any manner.

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