In the first case under Maharashtra's new law that bans slaughter of calves and bullocks, three people have been booked in the state's Nashik district for allegedly slaughtering two calves.
The police found 150 kg of beef worth ₹ 35,000 from the owners of the shop.
The three accused – Asif Talathi, Hameed and Rashid – against whom the case has been registered are on the run, reports NDTV.
The Maharashtra Animal Prevention ( Amendment) Act, 1995 banning slaughter of calves and bullocks in the state was approved by President Pranab Mukherjee on 2 March and came into force from 4 March.
Under the provisions of the law, violators can be sentenced to five years in jail, besides a fine of ₹10,000, for sale or possession of beef.
The forceful implementation of the law led to several protests across India. Students of Hyderabad University held "Beef Festival" revolting against what they said was ban on democracy, as beef is an important food for many Muslims and Christians.
The first case in relation to the issue has not only been condemned by social media users, but has been mocked as well.
In their response to NDTV's tweet, twitterati have criticised the case saying it's against democracy.
@ndtv is this democratics? its just like making every religion follow them. Just b'cz Hindus dont eat beef does'nt mean others wont!!
— Mihin Niting (@mihin_niting) March 26, 2015
@ndtv its terrific!!! So many laws fail to implement! But its successfully implementing. India k #ache din aayaye !! — Md.Kareemuddin (@KareemuddinMd) March 26, 2015
@ndtv.Now I think this case will be fought in Supremecourt,,n they will get deth sentence,,Fast justice to cow,,,India shining;)
— Ali (@shaikhaliyuddi1) March 26, 2015
While another person pointed out the hypocrisy citing a report that suggested India is the second largest exporter of beef in the world, after Brazil.
A New York Times report said that after Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government came into power in India, beef exports increased 17% during the period April-November 2014, in comparison to the same period last year.
During his campaign for the 2014 general elections, Modi had attacked the then Congress-led UPA government for promoting exports of meat and encouraging cow slaughter, calling it 'pink revolution'.
