MUMBAI, May 22 -- In a move to curb illegal cattle trade and unauthorised slaughterhouses, the Maharashtra government has directed authorities to invoke provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against individuals, gangs and organisations involved in cattle smuggling. "The concerned police machinery shall conduct investigations in accordance with prevailing laws and take appropriate action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act against individuals, gangs or organisations repeatedly involved in organised cattle smuggling," a circular issued on Thursday stated. With preparations for Eid-ul-Adha underway, when Muslims traditionally perform animal sacrifice or qurbani, some community leaders questioned the timing of the circular. "Given the timing, it appears that the government is looking to create more trouble for the Muslim community ahead of the festival," said Maulana Mehmood Dariyabadi, Islamic scholar and founding member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. However, the circular permits temporary slaughterhouses in Mumbai during Eid, subject to written permission and conditions such as proper biomedical waste management and maintenance of public hygiene. The government said the circular followed representations seeking action against cattle smuggling, illegal transportation of bovine animals and unauthorised slaughterhouses. It directed urban and rural local bodies to identify illegal slaughterhouses and instructed police to promptly act on complaints received via the 112 helpline. District collectors in border areas have also been ordered to set up joint check posts with police, transport, civic and animal husbandry officials. Independent nodal officers will also be appointed by police commissionerates, while joint flying squads will conduct enforcement drives statewide....