Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal
Bhopal, Jan 15: A major controversy has erupted in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh after alleged cow slaughter was detected at a slaughterhouse in Bhopal, triggering widespread protests by right-wing Hindu organisations as well as the opposition Congress.
The issue came to light on December 17, 2025, when activists of saffron outfits, including Sanskriti Bachao Manch and Hindu Utsav Samiti, intercepted a truck near the state police headquarters in Jahangirabad carrying over 25 tonnes of meat. The activists alleged that the consignment was cow meat.
Initially, Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) doctor Beni Prasad Gaur certified the seized meat as buffalo meat. However, a subsequent forensic examination conducted at the Veterinary College laboratory in Mathura confirmed that the meat was of a cow or its progeny. Cow slaughter is strictly prohibited in Madhya Pradesh and attracts stringent punishment.
A police investigation later revealed that the seized meat was linked to a BMC-operated slaughterhouse in the city’s Jinsi area, which functions under a public-private partnership model. The slaughterhouse is permitted to process only buffaloes and not cows or their progeny. Following the revelation, the BMC sealed the slaughterhouse on January 9.
In the latest development on Tuesday, Madhya Pradesh Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya directed the BMC to immediately suspend doctor Beni Prasad Gaur. The minister also ordered an in-depth probe by the civic body, while police continue their investigation, including the possibility of collusion by insiders or staff of the municipal corporation. Two persons were reportedly arrested earlier in connection with the seizure.
The issue has sparked massive protests across Bhopal. On Monday and Tuesday, activists from Bajrang Dal, Karni Sena and other saffron groups staged demonstrations, accusing the BJP and the state government of shielding those involved in cow slaughter and illegal transport of cow meat. Congress activists also joined the protests, levelling similar allegations.
“Our sentiments have been hurt. We will not tolerate this. A memorandum is being submitted to the Chief Minister demanding strict action,” said Bhanu Hindu of the Jai Maa Bhavani Hindu Organisation.
Protesters have demanded that the modern slaughterhouse, which began operations in October 2025, be demolished. Meanwhile, informed sources indicated that action may soon be taken against the properties of Aslam ‘Chamda’ Qureshi, the alleged prime accused in the case. Sources claimed that Qureshi could be a front, with influential figures possibly involved in the illegal trade.
The controversy has also spilled into the BMC. On Tuesday, Congress corporators created a ruckus, accusing the BJP-ruled civic body and Mayor Malti Rai of ignoring repeated warnings raised since December.
“We have been trying to bring this matter to everyone’s notice since December, but it has fallen on deaf ears. If no action is taken even now, we will be forced to take strong steps,” said BMC leader of opposition S Zaki.
Even BJP corporator Devendra Bhargava raised objections and threatened to resign if strict action was not initiated. “It is shameful that this happened in our city and went unnoticed. I have given a deadline to the corporation. If no action is taken, I will resign,” he said.
Responding to the growing unrest, BMC chairman Kishan Suryavanshi, Mayor Malti Rai and local MLA and cabinet minister Vishwas Sarang said that resignations were unnecessary and assured strict action.
“No one will be spared in cases related to cow slaughter or beef trade. Whether a trader or an official, the strictest action will be taken against anyone found guilty. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has issued clear and firm instructions,” they said.
Amid continuing protests, unconfirmed reports have also surfaced suggesting that meat from the sealed slaughterhouse may have been exported to Gulf countries, including the UAE, through routes via Maharashtra and Chennai. Investigations into these claims are ongoing.