Key Update

Police in Ongole, in Prakasam district, of Andhra Pradesh, have arrested seven persons for allegedly selling horse meat as donkey meat and deceiving customers in local markets. The accused reportedly ran the operation for several weeks, exploiting the heavy demand for meat on Sundays. Authorities uncovered the racket after receiving a tip-off about suspicious late-night activity along Mangamuru Road. Acting on the information, a night patrol team from the Ongole Taluka Police Station tracked the movement and raided a location near Datta Ganapati Colony at the Mangamuru Road–Ashram Junction.

Late-Night Raid Exposes Illegal Slaughter

When police reached the spot, they found a group of men allegedly slaughtering a horse and preparing the meat for sale. Officers immediately detained the suspects and seized the meat from the site. Investigators revealed that the gang had purchased five horses from Cherukupalli. By the time police carried out the raid, the accused had already slaughtered three horses, while officers rescued two live horses during the operation. Police also seized four autorickshaws and a car that the accused allegedly used to transport the animals and the meat.

Accused Confesses to Deception

During interrogation, the accused reportedly admitted that they had been selling horse meat while claiming it was donkey meat. Officials believe the group attempted to exploit the occasional demand for donkey meat and mislead customers to earn quick profits. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Circle Inspector T. Vijaya Krishna. Sub-Inspector Chowdaiah confirmed that police had been monitoring the activity after receiving credible information about the illegal trade.

Concerns Over Illegal Meat Trade

The incident has raised concerns about food fraud and illegal meat trade in the district. Authorities have launched further investigations to determine whether the group supplied the meat to local markets or eateries and to identify any additional people linked to the operation.

Source: Deccan Chronicle 

The New Indian Express