Bengaluru Dog Meat Controversy: 2,700kg of mystery meat creates panic, officials say it's goat meat

In Bengaluru, a controversy erupted on Friday over the alleged transportation of dog meat. Police seized 90 insulated boxes containing 2,700kg of meat that had arrived by train from Jaipur. Activists gathered at the railway station, protesting the supposed transportation of dog meat. However, officials clarified that the packages contained chevon (goat meat).

The police registered three FIRs on the night of the incident. A senior police officer said, "The first FIR was against the transportation of meat, suspecting it could have been mixed with dog meat, and the second was against cow vigilante Puneet Kerehalli for obstructing food quality department officials from discharging their duty. Another FIR was registered against Puneet and his four associates for unlawful assembly in a public place."

Dog Meat Controversy: Food Safety Authority's Findings

K Srinivas, the commissioner of food safety, clarified, "The meat, at the outset, was not of a dog but is of a special breed of goat, Sirohi, which is largely found in Rajasthan and Kutch-Bhuj areas of Gujarat. They also have a slightly elongated tail and spots on them. Hence, people could easily confuse them for a dog. There were no signs of dog meat in the samples. Due to short supply of mutton and chevon, some traders source it from other states and sell it here at an affordable price."

Dog Meat Controversy: Chevon Shortage in Karnataka

The arrival of the meat packages raised questions about why such a large quantity of chevon was being brought to Bengaluru, given the availability of sheep and goat in Karnataka. Experts from Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra (GKVK) revealed a severe scarcity of chevon in the city.

Prof B L Chidananda, former professor of animal sciences at GKVK, explained, "Unlike the popular sheep varieties, Karnataka does not have its own varieties of goat. Due to this, there is a shortfall of 25% to 30% of chevon in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka. At the same time, Bengaluru, along with other districts of Karnataka, is the largest consumer of meat. Bridging this gap and keeping in mind the price affordability, traders source cheap varieties of chevon from other states where there is largescale production."

Dog Meat Controversy: Government Response and Ongoing Investigation

Responding to the row over the alleged supply of dog meat to Bengaluru hotels, the Karnataka government stated on Saturday that the meat seized from the railway station on Friday night had been sent to a food laboratory for analysis and action would be taken based on the results.

The Karnataka Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSA) Commissionerate on Saturday made the statement, according to an official release by the Karnataka Health department. Some groups had alleged on Friday evening that dog meat was being supplied to Bengaluru hotels from Rajasthan, and protested.

Dog Meat Controversy: Inspection and Legal Actions

A police team and officials from the Karnataka FSSA went to the railway station and conducted an inspection. During the inspection, it was found that parcels that had arrived by train from Rajasthan were being loaded into a vehicle on the outer premises of the station. There were 90 parcels, and upon inspection, animal meat was found in them. Samples were collected and sent to the food laboratory for analysis.

The commissionerate stated, “Detailed information about the FSSAI licences 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.”

Dog Meat Controversy: Public Reaction and Ongoing Concerns

The incident has drawn attention to the complexities of meat supply and demand in Bengaluru, highlighting the lengths to which traders go to meet consumer needs. With the clarification from food safety authorities, the initial allegations of dog meat transportation seem to have been dispelled. The situation remains a point of concern for both authorities and consumers, amidst rising demands and scarcity issues in the meat market.

Hindutva activist Puneet Kerehalli and others protested near Majestic Railway Station in Bengaluru on Friday, alleging that dog meat, along with mutton, was being brought from Rajasthan to Bengaluru for sale. A case was filed against them for obstructing police officers on duty. Later, around Friday midnight, the jurisdictional Cottonpet Police arrested them. A case has been filed against Puneet Kerehalli under Section 132 of the BNS Act (obstruction of government officials' duties) and Section 351 (2) for disturbing the peace.

Sources state that the meat was meant to be supplied to fine-dining restaurants in Bengaluru.

After reports about suspicious meat transport to Bengaluru, the commissioner of the Food Safety and Standards Department ordered a detailed inquiry into the matter. The department said the meat samples collected last night were sent to the lab for testing.

The commissioner said, “During the inspection, it was found that parcels received via a train from Rajasthan were being loaded into a transport vehicle in the outer premises of the station. There were 90 parcels, and upon inspection, animal meat was found in the parcels. Samples were collected and sent to the food laboratory for analysis regarding species of animals.”

The commissioner also promised strict legal action if any instances of mixing other meat is found. “Based on the analysis reports, further legal actions will be taken. Detailed information about the FSSAI licenses of the senders and recipients of the parcels is being collected. If any discrepancies are found, further legal actions will be initiated as per law,” he added.

Meanwhile, it has created a panic among Bengaluru residents and meat lovers. In an X post, Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai wrote, “This is shocking. When will our government act?”

(With inputs from TOI)