The Uttar Pradesh Police detained four people for questioning on Monday after a cow was found slaughtered in Siyarhan village in Bhadohi district. A First Information Report has been registered against unidentified people under provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act.

“The carcass was lying on the roadside,” The Indian Express quoted Additional Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kumar as saying. “Agitated villagers blocked the Bhadohi-Durgaganj road demanding action. We assured the protesters of action against those responsible, after which we managed to clear the road.”

Police personnel and Provincial Armed Constabulary teams were deployed in the area to maintain law and order.

A sharp-edged weapon and a liquor bottle was found at the spot and the cow’s neck had been slashed, PTI quoted Kumar as saying. The animal was killed to “vitiate the atmosphere”, the police officer added. The carcass has been sent for autopsy.