Book politicos riding bullock cart for protest: Honorary District Animal Welfare officer

The cart collapsed under the weight of several people, injuring the two bullocks

An honorary district animal welfare officer has written to the deputy commissioner of police (Zone VI) to register an FIR against Congress's Bhai Jagtap and other members for using a bullock cart during a protest at Antop Hill. The overcrowded bullock cart collapsed during the protest, injuring the two bullocks that were pulling it.

Congress workers were protesting against the fuel price hike by riding on a bullock cart. Honorary District Animal Welfare officer Sunish Subramanian has told the police to book all Congress members riding on the cart and its owner under the Prevention of Animal Cruelty Act 1960.

Subramanian said, "They used a bullock cart for a protest and overcrowded it. A bullock cart cannot take this much load. This is cruelty to animals. Politicians often use animals for protests. I have told the police to not allow anyone to use animals for protests or election campaigning."

Also read: Mumbai: Stage on bullock cart collapses during Congress' protest against fuel price hike

"The police should book those riding on the cart and its owner who is equally responsible. The video is the prime evidence in the case. I have written to the Antop Hill police station, the Election Commission, and the Collector to take strict action," Subramanian added.

Jagtap launched a signature campaign against fuel price hikes on July 7, which is to continue till 17, across 100 petrol pumps in Mumbai. On July 9, in Mumbai, petrol price was '106.25 per litre and diesel price was Rs 97.18 per litre.