The authorities in India have bulldozed the homes of 11 people in the central state of Madhya Pradesh after police found beef in their refrigerators and cows in their backyards.
The operation was carried out as part of the crackdown against the illegal beef trade in the state.
According to the report, information was received that a large number of cows were being kept for slaughter in Bhainwahi area of Nainpur.
“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 the11 accused. We also found animal fat, cattle skin and bones, which were stuffed in a room,” Rajat Saklecha, superintendent of police (SP), told PTI.
The local government veterinary doctor confirmed that the seized meat was beef, the police officer said.
“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.
According to Mandla SP, the first information report following the discovery of cows and beef was filed on Friday night. Police detained one accused, while the hunt was on for the other 10.
“The 150 cows have been sent to a cattle shelter. The Bhainswahi area has become a hub of cow smuggling for some time now. Cow slaughter in MP is punishable with a jail term of seven years,” the police official added.
