Daijiworld Media Network – Margao (MS)

Margao, Dec 22: A confrontation between meat sellers and cow vigilantes at the SGPDA market in Fatorda led to cross-complaints being filed on Saturday morning. The altercation reportedly occurred during the unloading of meat from trucks, sparking tensions that prompted meat sellers to threaten a statewide suspension of beef, mutton, and chicken sales starting Monday.

In his complaint, Iranna Manjunath Acharya, a resident of Gogol, Margao, alleged that he was assaulted around 9:30 am by Alfaz Bepari and Yannus Bepari, both residents of Chandor, along with Masjid Bepari from Benaulim and two unidentified individuals, near the main road of the SGPDA market.

Representational image

Conversely, Alfaz Bepari lodged a counter-complaint, claiming that he and his brother Yannus were attacked by Acharya and others at the same time and location. Alfaz alleged that the group wrongfully restrained them and assaulted them with hard objects, resulting in injuries.

Speaking on behalf of the meat sellers’ association, Manna Bepari criticized the lack of action against the vigilantes. “If the police fail to act against those who forcefully inspected the meat without any authority, we will close all meat shops from Monday. Instead of addressing the unauthorized interference, our people have been taken to the police,” he said.

The incident has drawn attention to the growing tension between meat sellers and vigilante groups, with concerns escalating over the potential disruption to meat supplies across the state.