The State Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) carried out an inspection at the city’s central railway station following allegations of contaminated meat being transported into Bengaluru. The operation, conducted in collaboration with city police, revealed 90 parcels of meat being loaded into a transport vehicle. These parcels, which had arrived from Rajasthan, were collected for laboratory analysis to identify the type of animal meat.
The inspection was prompted by protests from Puneeth Kerehalli, founder of the Rashtra Rakshana Pade, a Hindutva organization. Kerehalli had alleged that stale meat, potentially mixed with dog meat, was being distributed to city restaurants. In response, FSSAI Commissioner Srinivas K stated that strict legal action would be taken if any violations were found. The FSSAI is also verifying the licenses of the parties involved in the meat transport.
The FSSAI has already issued notices to 12 sellers operating without licenses and is investigating the matter under the Food Safety Act. The next steps will be determined based on the results of the laboratory analysis.
In a related incident, Kerehalli was arrested for disrupting the inspection process at the railway station. He was charged with obstructing a government officer from performing their duties. Kerehalli collapsed at the police station and was taken to KC General Hospital before being transferred to Victoria Hospital. He had been protesting claims that the seized meat was being distributed to local mutton stalls. Three FIRs have been filed against him: for transporting meat, protesting near the railway station, and obstructing government officials.
