Bengaluru: In response to the uproar over the suspected supply of dog meat to Bengaluru hotels, the Karnataka government announced on Saturday that the meat seized from a railway station the previous night has been sent to a food laboratory for testing. The Karnataka Health Department stated that actions will be taken based on the laboratory results.
The Karnataka Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSA) Commissionerate also confirmed the developments in their statement on Saturday. The controversy arose on Friday evening when several groups protested, claiming that dog meat was being supplied to Bengaluru hotels from Rajasthan.
The FSSA Commissionerate reported that on Friday evening, there were suspicions regarding the transportation of mutton and other meats to Bengaluru by train. In response, a police team, along with officials from the Karnataka FSSA, conducted an inspection at the railway station.
Parcels containing mutton seized during unloading from a train
During the inspection, officials found parcels being unloaded from a train arriving from Rajasthan into a vehicle at the outer premises of the station. A total of 90 parcels were identified, and upon examination, animal meat was discovered inside. Samples were collected and sent to a food laboratory for further analysis.
The statement from the Commissionerate noted, “Detailed information about the FSSAI licenses of the senders and recipients of the parcels is being collected. If any discrepancies are found, further legal action will be initiated as per regulations.”
Protesters arrested
Hindutva activist Puneet Kerehalli and others staged a protest near Majestic Railway Station in Bengaluru on Friday, claiming that dog meat, in addition to mutton, was being transported from Rajasthan to Bengaluru for sale. A case was filed against the protesters for obstructing police officers performing their duties, and the Cottonpet Police arrested them around midnight on Friday.
Puneet Kerehalli faces charges under Section 132 of the BNS Act (obstruction of government officials' duties) and Section 351 (2) for disturbing the peace.
Sources indicate that the meat was intended for fine-dining restaurants in Bengaluru.