Cow Meat Found in Bhopal Slaughterhouse Erupts Protests, Probe Ordered
Protests rock Bhopal over cow meat found at civic slaughterhouse.
The BJP stronghold of Bhopal is witnessing widespread protests by right-wing Hindu groups and opposition Congress workers following the discovery of cow meat at a municipal slaughterhouse. The issue surfaced on December 17, 2025, when activists intercepted a truck with over 25 tonnes of meat, suspecting it to be beef. While a BMC doctor initially certified it as buffalo meat, forensic tests at Mathura’s Veterinary College confirmed it as cow or progeny meat, banned under Madhya Pradesh law.
Police traced the consignment to a PPP-operated slaughterhouse in Jinsi, licensed only for buffalo. The facility was sealed on January 9, and two arrests were made. Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya ordered the suspension of the certifying doctor and a detailed probe into possible civic staff involvement. Protesters from Bajrang Dal, Karni Sena, and others are demanding the slaughterhouse’s demolition and strict punishment.
Congress activists have joined the demonstrations, accusing the BJP government of protecting those involved in illegal cow slaughter. Even a BJP corporator threatened resignation if firm action is not taken promptly. Opposition corporators in the BMC alleged their warnings since December were ignored, while saffron outfits submitted memorandums to the Chief Minister seeking accountability.
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Senior BJP leaders, including the mayor and local MLA, assured that no one—trader or official—will be spared, citing clear directives from CM Mohan Yadav for stringent enforcement. Unconfirmed reports suggest meat from the unit may have been exported to Gulf countries via other states. Authorities are also eyeing action against the prime accused’s properties, amid speculation of bigger players behind the trade.
The controversy has intensified religious sentiments in the city ahead of Makar Sankranti, putting the state government under pressure from both ideological supporters and political rivals to demonstrate its commitment to cow protection laws.
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