Plea seeks to expedite tests on seized meat

People for Cattle in India (PFCI) has contended that the consignment neither had the details of the sender nor the receiver and the goods were falsely declared as fish meat. Though the seizure happened last Saturday, and the samples were sent to the meat science department of Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Vepery, there has been no official word on the results raising grave doubts.

The plea further noted that while the Railway Protection Force (RPF) registered an FIR four days after the incident, several sections of PCA, IPC, FSSAI and Pollution Acts related to the seizure have not been included in the FIR.

Also, noting that the quantity of the meat seized was high and it was reportedly meant for a big chain of restaurants, the plea submitted that the modus operandi raises doubt as to whether these traders of meat are habitual offenders and if the involvement of a meat mafia is likely. The plea sought the court for a direction to the State to submit the species report and appoint an Advocate Commissioner to ascertain the type of meat seized and the proposed method of disposal. The plea is likely to be taken up for hearing on Friday.