In the tribal-dominated Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, authorities have demolished 11 houses as part of a crackdown on illegal beef trade in the state. The houses were allegedly built on government land and were involved in the illegal confinement and slaughter of cows.
Mandla Superintendent of Police Rajat Saklecha stated that the action was initiated following a tip-off about a large number of cows being held captive for slaughter in the Bhainwahi area of Nainpur town. A police team discovered 150 cows tied up in the backyards of the accused individuals, along with cow meat in their refrigerators. Animal fat, cattle skin, and bones were also found stashed in a room.
The seized meat was confirmed to be beef by the local government veterinarian. Samples have been sent to Hyderabad for secondary DNA analysis. The houses of the 11 accused were demolished due to their illegal construction on government land.
An FIR was registered on Friday night, and one of the accused has been arrested while the remaining 10 are being pursued. The rescued cows have been sent to a cattle shelter.
The Bhainwahi area had reportedly become a hub for cow smuggling and illegal slaughter. Cow slaughter is a serious offense in Madhya Pradesh, punishable by a seven-year jail term.
According to police sources, two of the accused have a criminal history, and investigations are underway to determine the backgrounds of the remaining individuals. It has also been noted that all the accused are of the Muslim faith.
