Lucknow, Aug. 7 -- A remark by a senior Uttar Pradesh police officer on cow slaughter has sparked controversy after he said that those involved in the practice are either "harami" or not Muslims. The comments were made by Rampur Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar Singh Sisodia, who also asserted that a true Muslim would never commit such an act.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting on Thursday, August 6, the SP said that cow slaughter cases in the month of Sawan (holy Hindu month, from July 30 to August 28) were a result of "anti-social elements" trying to disrupt communal harmony in the area.

In Islam, the consumption of meat of an animal whose slaughtering hurts the religious feelings of another religion is "haraam" for Muslims, Sis...