Local authorities in Mandla in Madhya Pradesh demolished houses built on government land by 11 persons as part of action against the illegal beef trade in the state. The police official on Saturday said they were illegal homes.
Mandla Superintendent of Police Rajat Saklecha stated the action was taken after a tip-off was received that a large number of cows had been held captive for slaughter in the Bhainwahi area in Nainpur, Mandla.
"A team was rushed there and we found 150 cows tied in the backyards of the accused. Cow meat was recovered from the refrigerators in the homes of all the 11 accused. We also found animal fat, cattle skin and bones, which were stuffed in a room," the official said.
"The local government veterinarian has confirmed the seized meat is beef. We have also sent samples to Hyderabad for secondary DNA analysis. The houses of the 11 accused were demolished as they were on government land," the SP added.
An FIR was registered on Friday night following the recovery of the cows and beef. Police also arrested one of the accused. A hunt was underway for the remaining 10 accused, he said
150 cows recovered
"The 150 cows have been sent to a cattle shelter. Bhainswahi area had become a hub of cow smuggling for some time now. Cow slaughter in MP is punishable with a jail term of seven years," Saklecha added.
(With PTI inputs)
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