Mumbai: Devendra Fadnavis announced that the Maharashtra government has, for the first time, applied the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against offences linked to cow smuggling, illegal cattle transportation, and unlawful slaughterhouses. The Chief Minister stated that the decision is legally sound and capable of standing up to judicial scrutiny.
Speaking about the state’s action against illegal cattle trade activities, Fadnavis said that authorities have decided to invoke MCOCA against those involved in organised networks connected to such offences. He asserted that the law’s application in these cases is justified and would hold firm in court proceedings.
The Chief Minister also addressed Maharashtra’s preparations for the possible impact of El Nino during the upcoming kharif season. According to him, the state government has developed a detailed strategy to manage weather-related challenges, including the possibility of heavy rainfall in certain regions.
#WATCH | Mumbai: On the state government's action against cow smuggling, illegal cattle transportation, and illegal slaughterhouses, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis says, "For the first time, we have implemented the MCOCA law, and I believe it will be completely… pic.twitter.com/Ffh4rp0n6d
— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2026
Earlier, Fadnavis had highlighted El Nino as one of the biggest concerns for Maharashtra this year, particularly due to expectations of below-normal rainfall. He said the government has intensified water conservation work under the Jalyukt Shivar programme to reduce the potential impact on agriculture.
He further stated that district administrations across the state have been instructed to remain prepared for the effects of El Nino. The government has also appealed to citizens and farmers to use water efficiently in order to support the crop cycle during the kharif season.
According to ANI, the Maharashtra government believes the strict measures against organised cattle smuggling and illegal slaughterhouses will strengthen enforcement efforts across the state.
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