A late-night crackdown in Phagwara has led to the arrest of eleven individuals allegedly involved in an illegal beef packaging racket, sparking controversy and concern across the sensitive Doaba region of Punjab.
Following a tip, the Kapurthala police stormed a warehouse in the GTB Nagar locality of Phagwara late on Wednesday night. They allegedly found packaged meat goods inside that were thought to be beef and were prepared for commercial distribution, which is against the law in Punjab at the moment.
The arrested individuals have been booked under sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Indian Penal Code Sections 295A (hurting religious sentiments) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).
Viral videos claiming cow killing in the area and days of simmering tension preceded the raid. On social media, right-wing organizations had already started to sound the alarm and call for immediate action. A group of demonstrators gathered outside the police station shortly after the arrests, calling for severe penalties and an end to all local meat-related businesses.
This isn’t the first time Phagwara has seen communal heat—clashes between communities in past years have kept the area on the radar of law enforcement.
“Let Forensics Speak”
Phagwara DSP Davinder Singh confirmed the arrests and emphasized that the final determination will come from the forensic analysis of the seized meat samples, which have been sent to a certified lab.
“We are taking all legal steps. Until the forensic report is out, we cannot confirm the type of meat. However, prima facie it appears to be a violation,” Singh told reporters.
The accused reportedly hail from both Phagwara and nearby towns, adding to the concern that this may not be an isolated incident.
While Punjab has no total beef ban like some other states, cow slaughter is prohibited under the Punjab Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955. The state allows buffalo meat trade under regulated conditions, but only with certified licenses and slaughterhouse compliance.
Investigators are now probing whether the accused had any links to larger illegal meat distribution networks or was operating locally.
Until the forensic report confirms whether the meat was beef, buffalo, or another species, charges under religious and communal offense laws will remain tentative. Police have assured the public of a fair and transparent probe while also appealing for calm.
Community leaders have met with senior Kapurthala district authorities in an effort to keep the peace and avoid flare-ups. Sensitive areas have been made more secure, and local social media monitoring has been stepped up to combat false information.
A court appearance is anticipated later this week, and the arrested individuals are presently in judicial custody. Non-bailable charges and possible state-level involvement in the case may ensue if the forensic results verify that the meat is indeed beef.
Punjab keeps a close eye on it until then. A community that has a reputation for fostering cultural harmony is now on the verge of scandal as it awaits test results that might change public opinion.
