Bhopal, India - In a controversial move, houses belonging to 11 Muslim families were demolished by authorities in Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh after police claimed to have found beef in their refrigerators.
The demolition drive took place in Bhainswahi area of Nainpur town on Saturday, a day after a police raid allegedly recovered 150 cows meant for slaughter along with cow meat, animal fat, skins and bones from the residential premises.
Mandla Superintendent of Police Rajat Saklecha said the action was taken based on a tip-off about cows being held captive for slaughter in the area. "We found 150 cows tied in the backyards. Cow meat was recovered from refrigerators in all 11 homes. We also found animal fat, cattle skin and bones," he told PTI.
The police officer claimed the seized meat has been confirmed as beef by a local veterinarian, with samples also sent to Hyderabad for DNA analysis. He stated the demolitions were carried out as the houses were built on government land.
One person has been arrested so far in connection with the alleged beef smuggling while 10 others are absconding, Saklecha said, adding that cow slaughter attracts seven years' imprisonment in Madhya Pradesh.
The demolition drive has sparked concerns from human rights groups who questioned the legal process followed and termed it as a case of targeting the minority community over eating habits.
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