Eleven houses constructed on government land were demolished in tribal-dominated Mandla as part of efforts to crack down on illegal beef trade, a police official said Saturday.
Superintendent of Police Rajat Saklecha told PTI that the action was initiated following a tip-off about captive cows intended for slaughter in the Bhainwahi area of Nainpur.
“A team responded swiftly, discovering 150 cows tethered in the accused’s backyards. Cow meat was recovered from refrigerators in all 11 homes. Animal fat, cattle skin, and bones were found stashed in a room,” Saklecha said.
“Local government veterinarians confirmed the seized meat as beef. Samples were dispatched to Hyderabad for secondary DNA analysis. The accused’s houses were razed due to their illegal construction on government land,” the SP added.
An FIR was filed Friday night after cows and beef were recovered, with one arrest made and a search ongoing for the remaining 10 suspects.
“The 150 cows have been relocated to a cattle shelter. Bhainswahi has emerged as a hotspot for cow smuggling. Cow slaughter in MP carries a seven-year prison sentence,” Saklecha said.
Police sources noted two of the accused have criminal histories, with investigations ongoing into others.
All accused are Muslims, according to police.