Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Feb 8: Mayor Manoj Kumar conducted a surprise raid on an illegally operating slaughterhouse in the city on Friday.

Despite a court order halting the operation of the Kudroli slaughterhouse for the past four years, it was discovered that illegal cattle slaughter was continuing unabated on private property adjacent to the facility.

The raid was conducted following public complaints received during a phone-in program regarding illegal animal slaughter in the area. Acting on these complaints, mayor Manoj Kumar, along with his team, inspected the premises on Friday afternoon and confronted the officials responsible.

During the inspection, the mayor found no signs of slaughter at the main facility. However, upon checking an adjacent private building, the team discovered hundreds of animal heads and body parts scattered across the premises.

While the front section of the private property was open, the back section remained locked. When the mayor instructed officials to open it, none responded. Taking matters into their own hands, mayor Manoj Kumar and standing committee chairman Manohar Shetty broke the lock using a stone and entered the premises. Inside, they found a fully functional slaughter area with weighing scales. The site was engulfed in a foul stench, confirming ongoing illegal slaughter activities.

Expressing his displeasure, the mayor questioned municipal officials about their inaction despite the illegal activities continuing for so long.

Speaking to reporters, mayor Manoj Kumar stated, "An illegal slaughterhouse has been discovered near Kudroli. Slaughtering of cattle and sheep has been confirmed. I have instructed officials to demolish the unauthorized structure and take necessary action. After the Kudroli slaughterhouse was shut down, no slaughtering was allowed in the old building. A new structure is being constructed as per Green Tribunal guidelines."

The raid was conducted in the presence of deputy mayor Bhanumathi, Town Planning Standing Committee chairperson Veena Mangala, Health Standing Committee chairperson Sumithra Kariya, and council members Kadri Manohar Shetty and Jayalakshmi Shetty.