In a significant crackdown, the Jaisalmer police on Thursday night uncovered and shut down an illegal slaughterhouse operating near Kelawa village in the Pokhran subdivision. The raid led to the recovery of meat suspected to be from cows and bulls, alongside various sharp weapons and tools used for slaughter.
Raids and Recoveries Following Cattle Dragging Incident
The police action was reportedly prompted by a separate and gruesome incident reported earlier on Thursday. Unknown individuals had allegedly tied cattle to a vehicle, dragged it for several kilometres, and taken it away after it died. CCTV footage from Kelawa road showed suspicious movement involving two motorcycles and a Bolero Camper vehicle. Following this lead, villagers discovered drag marks, blood stains, and cattle remains in a deserted field, which initiated a search operation.
This search ultimately guided the police to the illegal slaughterhouse. Meat stored in drums was also found near the house of the accused. A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and senior veterinary officer Dr. Ashok Dhaka collected samples for detailed forensic examination.
Detentions, Community Tension, and Political Reaction
During the raid, police managed to detain five individuals accused of operating the illegal unit. However, the main suspect managed to flee the scene. Police teams have been formed to trace and arrest the absconding accused. The incident quickly escalated local tensions, with large crowds of residents and members of Hindu organisations gathering at the spot to demand immediate arrests.
To control the situation, additional police force was deployed in the area. In a strong protest against the incident, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) announced a Pokhran bandh for Saturday. The protest garnered political support, with Pokhran MLA Mahant Pratappuri Maharaj and leaders from VHP and other organisations condemning the act and demanding strict legal action.
Formal Complaints and Legal Action
On Friday, the district leadership of the VHP, including president Natwar Vyas and district secretary Lalu Singh Sodha, submitted a formal memorandum to the district collector. They warned of a larger agitation if swift and decisive action was not taken by the authorities.
Senior police officials, including Additional SP Praveen Kumar Sain, DSP Bhawani Singh, and SHO Bharatsingh Rawat, were present at the raid site. DSP Bhawani Singh confirmed that police acted on specific secret information. A formal case has been registered under the stringent Rajasthan Bovine Animal Act, 1995. Police are also analysing the available CCTV footage as part of their ongoing investigation.
