Beef Seizure Sparks Outrage in Bhopal
Bhopal cow slaughter protests erupted after authorities seized over 25 tonnes of meat at a slaughterhouse near the state police headquarters in Jahangirabad. The consignment was allegedly linked to a BJP-run facility, raising concerns over illegal cow slaughter and beef trade in Madhya Pradesh.
Activists from saffron outfits, including Sanskriti Bachao Manch and Hindu Utsav Samiti, intercepted the truck carrying the meat on December 17, sparking immediate protests.
Conflicting Test Reports
Initially, Bhopal Municipal Corporation doctor Beni Prasad Gaur certified the meat as buffalo. However, forensic tests at the Veterinary College laboratory in Mathura later confirmed that it was beef, which is illegal to slaughter and sell in Madhya Pradesh.
Following this, Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya announced that Dr. Gaur had been suspended pending investigation.
Protests Intensify Across the City
The revelation triggered large-scale protests involving right-wing Hindu groups and opposition Congress activists, accusing the BJP government of complicity in the illegal beef trade.
Bhanu Hindu of the Jai Maa Bhavani Hindu Organisation said, “Our sentiments have been hurt. We will not tolerate this. A memorandum is being submitted to the CM, demanding action.”
S. Zaki, Leader of Opposition in BMC, added, “We’ve been continuously trying to bring the matter to everyone’s notice since December, but it has fallen on deaf ears. If no action is initiated, we will be forced to take strong action.”
Government Assures Strict Action
Responding to the protests, BMC chairman and BJP leader Kishan Suryavanshi stated, “No one needs to resign. Strict action is being ensured. No one will be spared in cases of beef or cow slaughter. Whether it’s a trader or an officer, if anyone is found guilty, the strictest possible action will be taken. The Chief Minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav, has given clear instructions on this matter.”
The government has promised a thorough investigation and assured the public that anyone found guilty of illegal cow slaughter or beef trade will face strict legal action.
