PHAGWARA: A large-scale seizure of suspected beef and the uncovering of an alleged illegal slaughterhouse in Phagwara has triggered strong condemnation from local leaders and social organizations, who are calling for a thorough investigation and stringent action against those involved.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Phagwara Mayor Rampal Uppal described the discovery as "deeply disturbing" and "a matter of religious and social sensitivity." He demanded that the administration conduct a comprehensive probe into the case to trace the entire chain of those involved in cow slaughter and meat trafficking, asserting that “no perpetrator should be spared, regardless of their position.”
“Cow slaughter is not only a legal offense but an attack on the religious sentiments of millions of Sanatan Dharma followers who have worshipped the cow for centuries, ” Mayor Uppal stated. He appealed to the city’s residents to remain vigilant, especially around abandoned buildings or isolated properties, which he said are often misused for such illicit activities. “Any suspicious activity or unknown individuals should be immediately reported to the police or municipal authorities, ” he added.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), led by Punjab state vice-president Manish Sood, met with Kapurthala SSP Gaurav Toora and submitted a memorandum outlining specific demands. The party has sought a crackdown on cow slaughter and beef trafficking within Kapurthala district boundaries, and a forensic analysis of call records of those arrested in the case to identify higher-level operatives involved in the racket.
The delegation also pressed for a verification drive targeting migrants from other states, with particular focus on Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals, citing national security concerns. Sood alleged that one of the arrested individuals in the Phagwara case is suspected to be of Rohingya origin, highlighting what he called the “growing infiltration risk” in Punjab, a border state.
“The trade of beef on such a large scale cannot occur without the protection or backing of influential figures, ” Sood claimed, adding that similar incidents across India have often revealed links to illegal immigrants. “We demand a complete and transparent investigation so that faith in law enforcement and public institutions is maintained.”
Among those present in the delegation were Shiv Sena Kapurthala district president Mukesh Kashyap, vice-presidents Gaurav Arora and Navi Singh, Phagwara in-charge Rishi, and general secretary Parveen Kumar.
The developments have sent shockwaves through the region, raising concerns not only about religious harmony but also about the possibility of organized crime and illegal migration networks operating under the radar. Authorities have assured the public that all leads are being thoroughly pursued and further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.