The discovery has triggered widespread protests. On Friday, Congress workers staged a gherao at the BMC office near Mata Mandir, demanding strict action against those responsible. Protesters called for bulldozer action against both the contractor’s residence and the slaughterhouse, and raised pointed questions about accountability within the municipal administration.
“Despite BJP being in power at both the state and central level, cow meat smuggling is happening openly. Who facilitated the contractor getting the tender? Which leaders were involved? Answers are needed,” said Amit Sharma, State General Secretary of Congress. Protesters threatened an aggressive campaign if action was not taken.
Authorities confirmed the slaughterhouse has been sealed pending investigation. Municipal Commissioner Sanskriti Jain noted the closure was based on official reports, while Additional Commissioner Harshit Tiwari emphasized adherence to standard rules for disposal of carcasses and meat movement. He added that the SDM, along with slaughterhouse staff, bears responsibility for inspection and record-keeping. The Mayor-in-Council also approved the slaughterhouse contract, implicating Mayor Malati Rai in oversight responsibilities.
The incident echoes similar concerns raised three years ago, when large numbers of dead cattle were found dumped near Jeevdaya Gaushala. Investigations revealed the same contractor, Aslam Qureshi, had been handling carcass collection for decades. Bones and leather from these carcasses were sent to processing units, raising questions about long-standing oversight failures.
Madhya Pradesh hosts over 1,700 cow shelters, both government and private, housing around three lakh cattle. These shelters receive annual grants, highlighting the state’s ongoing efforts in cattle management.
The controversy has heightened public attention on the BMC’s slaughterhouse operations and triggered demands for stricter monitoring of meat processing and livestock management in the city. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have promised further updates on accountability and corrective action.
