Beef confirmed in lab-report; Bhopal mayor, commissioner cite police probe:Questions raised over municipal corporation’s role in entire case

The capital of Madhya Pradesh is embroiled in a major controversy as political, police, and municipal authorities come under scrutiny over a meat-laden vehicle seized in Bhopal on December 17 last year. UP’s Mathura laboratory tests confirmed the presence of cow meat in the 265-quintal consignment from the BMC-operated (PPP model) slaughterhouse in the city’s Jinsi area, turning the seizure into a full-blown flashpoint. Despite this, Mayor Malti Rai and Municipal Commissioner Sanskriti Jain have repeatedly cited ongoing police investigations, even though an FIR filed on January 8 had already confirmed the presence of cow meat. Despite this, Mayor Malti Rai and Municipal Commissioner Sanskriti Jain have repeatedly cited ongoing police investigations, even though an FIR filed on January 8 had already confirmed the presence of cow meat. Despite this, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has yet to initiate any independent legal action, raising questions about its role. Under pressure, veterinary doctor Beniprasad Gaur and nine other employees were suspended, three staff members were issued notices, and the slaughterhouse was sealed. Municipal Chairman Kishan Suryavanshi ordered the formation of a high-level committee and strict action against the guilty, prompting these rapid measures. Dainik Bhaskar obtained a copy of the FIR, which clearly states that the seized meat contained cow meat. First, know the police’s sequential action Timeline of police action Container seized, meat sampled On December 24, Jahangirabad police station in-charge Man Singh Chouhan registered an FIR referencing a container (UP 15 JT 4286) in which meat had been found on December 17. On December 18, veterinary officials at Jahangirabad Veterinary Hospital collected samples from five different packets out of the 265 quintals (26.5 tons) of meat. The rest of the meat was handed over to the container driver, Shoaib, son of Kamaluddin. Samples sent to Mathura Lab The meat samples were sent to the forensic laboratory in Mathura, which confirmed the presence of cow meat. Protests and Police intervention Following the confirmation, Hindu nationalist organizations protested outside Arera Hills police station. Subsequently, the police raided Modern Slaughterhouse, operated by Livestock Food Processor Pvt. Ltd., and seized relevant documents. The slaughterhouse owner, Aslam Chamra Qureshi, and the driver, Shoaib, were questioned. The police registered a case under Sections 4, 5, and 9 of the MP Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Act, 2004, and Section 61(2) of the BNS 2023, concluding that the cow meat was being transported illegally. Read what action the police took… Suspended veterinary doctor had certified the meat Veterinary doctor Beniprasad Gaur, who has now been suspended, had earlier certified that 85 buffaloes over 15 years old were slaughtered at the facility over the past two weeks. This meat was then packed as frozen meat and sent to Mumbai. The same batch, tested by police, confirmed cow meat, suggesting either illegal slaughter or falsification at the municipal level. Mayor and Commissioner remain silent Despite the police confirmation on January 8, Mayor Malti Rai remained silent. When questioned on January 9 about BMC’s action, she replied that the police were handling it. Experts argue that the municipal corporation violated its agreement with the slaughterhouse, which was not authorized for cow slaughter. Yet, no FIR was filed by the BMC; the police filed a case only after protests by Hindu organizations. Critics say Municipal Commissioner Jain should also have ensured legal action. Municipal action: Suspensions, notices, and closure Following the controversy, the slaughterhouse was permanently sealed, and 10 employees were suspended. During a January 13 council meeting, under pressure from protests, Veterinary Doctor Gaur was suspended by Divisional Commissioner Sanjeev Singh. Municipal Chairman Suryavanshi also ordered the formation of a high-level committee. Eleven employees faced action: eight were suspended (Waseem Khan, Salim Khan, Raja Khan, Sheikh Yusuf, Waheed Khan, Mohammad Faiyaz Khan, Isa Mohammad, Abdul Rahman), while three others (Yusuf Khan, Abdul Hakim, Mohammad Rafiq) received notices. The BMC has also begun cracking down on meat shops in the old city, particularly targeting illegal operations. Political fallout Opposition leader Shabista Zaki demanded resignations from the mayor and MIC members, calling their actions a violation of public trust and religious sentiments. “The MIC members, who are ministers of the city government, approved the operation of the slaughterhouse despite court stays. Such negligence undermines faith and governance,” she said.