In Alwar, Rajasthan, a shocking discovery has come to light, revealing the harsh reality of an operational beef market that was functioning with the alleged collusion of local police officers. The revelation led to immediate action by the Rajasthan government, headed by BJP's Bhajan Lal Sharma, on 19th February. The response was swift: the entire police station implicated in the scandal was reassigned, and four police officers have been suspended. Furthermore, the authorities have taken decisive steps by demolishing the facilities used for this illegal trade.

This disturbing scenario was unveiled thanks to the diligent efforts of Dainik Bhaskar's journalists, Rajkumar Jain and Radheshyam, whose investigative reporting brought the matter to public attention. Upon learning of the report, Jaipur Range IG, Umesh Chandra Dutt, personally visited the site to conduct a thorough investigation. The findings were deeply troubling: approximately 600 cows were being slaughtered each month. Moreover, this market had devised a sophisticated system for distributing beef, using a WhatsApp group to facilitate home deliveries to over 50 villages and supplying around 300 shops.

The pain and shock of these revelations cannot be overstated. The idea that such a large-scale operation was running undetected, potentially with the support of those meant to enforce the law, is a stark reminder of the challenges in safeguarding animal welfare and ensuring legal compliance within the meat industry.

Reports indicate that around 20 cows were slaughtered daily, a practice that seemingly continued without hindrance, allegedly facilitated by the collusion with local police. The aftermath of a media-driven police raid revealed a chilling scene: suspected cattle smugglers had vanished, leaving behind their vehicles and the sorrowful remnants of numerous cows, including skins and bones, at the site.

The investigative breakthrough came on Sunday, 18th February 2024, when Dainik Bhaskar unveiled the operations of the beef market within the jurisdiction of the Baas police station. The report, accompanied by harrowing videos, depicted the cruel fate of cows in the forests of Gidvada near Rundh, close to Birasangpur. The operation was not only a place of slaughter but also served as a hub for orders and deliveries managed through WhatsApp, attracting hundreds of buyers to an area spanning roughly 10 kilometers.

Shockingly, despite prior knowledge, the local police had reportedly taken no action against this illicit trade until the exposé prompted a significant response. Led by IG Umesh Chandra Datt of the Jaipur Range, law enforcement officials launched raids in the identified forests of the Baas area, confirming the distressing activities reported. Faced with the imminent arrival of police, those responsible for this cruelty deserted their posts and fled.

The sheer scale of this operation and the apparent negligence by authorities until now evoke a profound sense of empathy and shock. This incident not only highlights the plight of the innocent animals subjected to such brutality but also raises serious questions about the oversight and enforcement of laws designed to protect them.

In a decisive move against the illegal beef trade in Alwar, Rajasthan, the Bhajan government has taken significant steps, demonstrating a firm stance on law enforcement and animal welfare. IG has notably suspended Head Constable Raghuvir, ASI Gyan Chand, Beat Constable Swam Prakash, and Ravikant for their connections to the scandal. Furthermore, Station House Officer Dinesh Meena and 38 staff members of the Baas police station have been reassigned as part of the crackdown. Disturbing reports have emerged suggesting that beef biryani was being sold across an expansive area of 60 kilometers in Alwar, with cow smugglers allegedly profiting up to 4 lakh rupees monthly from the sale of meat, bones, and hides.

In response, authorities are ramping up efforts to identify and prosecute those involved in the beef market, with 25 individuals already named in the FIR related to cow slaughter. The seizure of about a dozen motorcycles and a pickup jeep associated with the market highlights the rigorous enforcement response underway.

The revelation of this beef market in Khairthal, a newly formed district near Alwar, has prompted swift action from the Bhajan government. Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma is leading the charge to eliminate the illegal market operations in the gorges of Brihasangpur village within the Kishangarhbas police station's jurisdiction. Following his directives, the administration is utilizing bulldozers to demolish illegal constructions and farming on government land, targeting unauthorized huts and houses and destroying unlawfully sown crops. Additionally, seven illegal electricity connections have been severed by the Electricity Corporation, further dismantling the support structures of this illicit activity.

Alwar's Stand Against Illegal Beef Trade: A Fight for Justice

In a major crackdown on the illegal beef trade in Alwar, Rajasthan, authorities have taken significant steps to uphold the law and protect animal rights. An FIR has been filed against 22 individuals under the stringent Rajasthan Bovine Act, covering sections 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9 of the RB Act. This legal action has led to the arrest of several people, including Ratti Khan, Sahun, Mausam, Haroon, Jabbar son of Kallu, Aleem, Aslam, Kamil, and Saddam, all residents of Mirzapur. The charges extend to others as well, namely Khalid's son Abdul Karim, Fakru, Mormal, Khalid, Salim, Qayyum, Kasam, Habbi, and Mausam, marking a determined effort by law enforcement to confront this issue head-on.

The government's response to the illegal structures supporting this trade has been equally firm. Illegal huts and houses that had been erected within the implicated area have been leveled using bulldozers. Moreover, crops illegally planted on this land have been destroyed as part of the efforts to eradicate any vestiges of the illicit operations. The Electricity Corporation has also played a role by disconnecting seven illegal connections, further dismantling the infrastructure that facilitated this trade.

In a display of thorough investigation and commitment to justice, the police are employing modern technology and resources, including drones, a dog squad, and an FSL team, to gather evidence in the affected areas. A formidable force of over 250 police officers was deployed at the site, showcasing the scale of the operation and the seriousness with which the authorities are addressing this violation of law and ethics.

Bhiwadi's Superintendent of Police, Anil Beniwal, articulated the determined efforts of law enforcement in confronting the illegal beef trade in Alwar, Rajasthan. "We had started a search operation. We lodged an FIR. Some people have been identified and interrogated. We have also launched a massive search operation in the entire area through drones, dog squads, and FSL teams. The administration team is also with us. Since this is a forest area, we are leaving the cows present there in the cowshed. 10 cows have been deposited." This statement underscores the commitment to not only apprehend those responsible for these illegal activities but also to care for the innocent animals caught in this situation. Action is being taken against individuals involved in this illicit trade and those who have unlawly encroached on government land, signaling a broad and empathetic approach to rectifying the situation.

In a similar vein, Jaipur Range IG Umesh Chand Dutta took proactive measures upon receiving complaints about the operation of an illegal beef market and open cow slaughter in the region. His inspection of the area on a Sunday night led to a significant search operation, resulting in the recovery of 12 motorcycles and one pickup vehicle, as well as the rescue of cattle from the ravine. In a decisive move, IG Dutta reassigned 38 police officers, including the Kishangarhbas police station in-charge Dinesh Meena, and suspended four policemen, demonstrating a no-tolerance policy towards negligence or complicity in these heinous activities.

These actions, filled with empathy and a firm resolve, highlight a glimmer of hope amidst the distressing circumstances. The efforts to save and shelter the cows, alongside the rigorous pursuit of justice against those perpetrating or enabling the illegal beef trade, reflect a deep-seated compassion and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding both animal welfare and the rule of law. As the operations continue, these measures offer a beacon of hope for the restoration of order and integrity in the face of profound challenges.