Seized Cattle Allegedly Diverted to Illegal Slaughterhouses
Serious allegations have emerged that cows seized in police raids targeting illegal transport are being diverted back to slaughterhouses through a nexus involving shelter managers. The claims have raised concerns over gaps in enforcement and monitoring.
Police have intensified action against illegal cattle transport following campaigns by Hindu groups and BJP-affiliated outfits. Trucks have been seized, and cases filed, but activists say the crackdown ends upon surrendering animals to shelters. “Many cows never reach farmers but vanish after being ‘registered’ to them,” said a local animal welfare volunteer.
Cow slaughter and illegal transport are banned nationwide, yet the city still records one of the state’s highest incidence rates. Beef remains openly available in several areas. The Marikavalasa slaughterhouse, licensed only for goat and sheep, is barred from cow processing. Still, unauthorized abattoirs operate under GVMC trade licenses in Railway New Colony, One Town Railway Road, Gajuwaka, Arilova, and adjoining localities. Cattle purchased in weekly Uttarandhra markets are moved to these sites, with meat supplied locally, interstate, and abroad.
Since no official shelter exists locally, seized cattle are sent to Vizianagaram. Police are expected to maintain records, obtain acknowledgements from shelter managers, and ensure animals go free to poor farmers with verified Aadhaar documentation. However, insiders allege falsification of records, fake identity numbers, and cash payments to shelter managers allow cattle to be rerouted to slaughterhouses via side roads.
Despite multiple complaints, police have reportedly not conducted follow-up inspections. Senior officers say shelter monitoring falls under the Animal Husbandry Department, but activists demand a thorough probe by the Police Commissioner. “Verifying shelter records will expose the entire illegal slaughter network,” said another volunteer.
Residents urge urgent accountability to halt the ongoing illegal trade operating under official cover.