Sensational claims have caused an uproar in Bengaluru, Karnataka's capital, where it is alleged that local hotels may be serving dog meat. This led to an immediate investigation. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) started probing a suspicious shipment of meat that arrived at Bengaluru Railway Station on Friday and collected samples for testing. Suspicions around the meat being dog meat intensified when officials suspected it wasn't goat meat.
FSSAI officials received a complaint about suspicious meat arriving by train. They rushed to the railway station, collected samples for testing, and sent them to the lab. Local media outlets have speculated that the meat might be dog meat, though no official confirmation has been made yet. To determine the animal source, FSSAI has taken samples.
FSSAI Initiates Investigation into the Case
Vikas Kishore, Special Commissioner for Health and Animal Husbandry at BBMP, commented on the situation, 'Today, when the meat delivery arrived at the railway station, a complaint was registered with FSSAI. To verify the meat's authenticity, FSSAI officials have taken samples to identify its source. Upon learning of this, I immediately ordered an investigation.'
Previously, BBMP had received complaints about the quality of meat served in local hotels, which prompted this joint investigation with FSSAI after a new shipment arrived.
BBMP’s Response
Vikas Kishore, Special Commissioner for Health and Animal Husbandry at BBMP, said, 'Earlier complaints had been lodged, and investigation orders were issued. BBMP officials had also visited the site, but they have yet to submit their report.'
He added, 'A recent social media post brought this issue to my attention again. I inquired about the spot inspection report and sent relevant BBMP animal husbandry officials to coordinate with FSSAI officials and the police department for further actions.'
Railway sources revealed that around 150 meat-filled containers, weighing three tons, had arrived from Jaipur at Bengaluru City Railway Station. According to a news agency, a cow protector named Puneeth Kerehalli (who had previously been jailed on murder charges) claimed it was dog meat.
Meat Supplier Clarifies Allegations
However, meat vendor Abdul Razzaq, who ordered the shipment, denied these allegations. He stated, 'The order for this consignment was placed legally, and it is sheep meat, not dog meat.'
The meat supplier added, 'We have legal documents to prove this, and anyone can inspect the tail of the animal. It is sheep, not a dog.' He accused Kerehalli of making false allegations to extort money. Due to the commotion, a large crowd gathered, and police were deployed to manage the situation.
