In another video shot in a field in Vadodara near Bhandara, a beef mafia member stands in front of a herd of cows and says, “Hum bhi maaloom ki bahut buri maut marenge (cows), par saala dhandha hum do number Will do only what. We know that cows will die a cruel death but in the end it is our job).
The videos highlight the thriving beef mafia that supplies cows to illegal slaughterhouses in Vidarbha. The interstate mafia uses vehicles with number plates hidden in gunny bags to transport hundreds of cattle across the country, especially from Hyderabad, via centrally located Nagpur.
Even Nagpur and surrounding areas have a huge demand for beef, which is banned in Maharashtra. Sources say that despite police raids, illegal slaughterhouses operate with the “protection” of a few policemen.
Starting from Bhandara, the beef mafia use the Nagpur-Hyderabad highway to smuggle cattle. “Every day around 15-20 vehicles pass through the Mouda toll towards Nagpur. They wrap the number plates in sacks,” said a source.
SP Nagpur Rural huge joy He said he would increase surveillance at Mouda toll and all checkposts and settlement points. A source said, “Vehicles bring cows from Bhandara and dump them at a secluded spot called ‘Bell Bazaar’ behind Kalamna APMC market, from where they are loaded into trucks and containers and taken to the south, especially Hyderabad. “
Bhandara SP Lohit Matani said that information has been received from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh about stray cattle being brought to Bhandara. “As far as the herd of cows in Vadoda is concerned, we will look into it,” he said.
Activists also alleged that the police respond late or ignore alerts. “Last week, we called up the city police control room after seeing a vehicle entering through Pardi, but the night officer claimed that they could not find the vehicle. The same happened with the Yashodhara Nagar police,” said the anti-slaughter activist. “A vehicle full of cows passed in front of the Yashodhara Nagar police station but the police claimed they could not see it. When we went to the police station, the night officer was sleeping in his vest,” said the activist.
About two weeks ago, city police chief Amitesh Kumar suspended half a dozen policemen, disbanded a crime unit and removed two senior inspectors for failing to act against the beef mafia and slaughterhouses. But activists say that police stations like Yashodhara Nagar and Pardi in Zone V are still not taking action against the beef mafia.
He alleged that the gangsters were using the ill-gotten wealth to further criminal activities, raise voice against the government and target other communities.
Sources said the beef mafia lures poor farmers into selling old and abandoned cattle. “Vegetable transporters also bring cattle and calves from Bhandara to the Kalamna vegetable market for Rs 3,000. Truckers get a commission of ₹15,000 for successful transportation,” said an insider, adding that the police turn a blind eye to this racket. “Many police stations are located on highways. Vehicles loaded with cattle pass in front of them every day,” said another source.
Earlier, some animal shelters were also found involved in selling rescued cows. Bhandara police had busted two such rackets. Police sources also said that some activists calling themselves ‘gau rakshaks’ or cow protectors and joining Extortion and blackmail and even try to create quarrels to incite discontent and riots.