Could Van Vihar National Park Explain Its Role in the Beef Racket and Fake Meat License Scandal?
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Bhopal, Feb 17 (NationPress) The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) in Madhya Pradesh, Subharanjan Sen, has sent a notice to Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal regarding its suspected involvement in a beef racket and fraudulent meat license scheme, demanding an immediate clarification on the issue.
The PCCF (Wildlife) indicated that an investigation by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation revealed significant discrepancies, including the usage of forged licenses for meat distribution. Despite being directed to take action, it appears that Van Vihar officials did not respond adequately, prompting the PCCF to take action.
“Thus, Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal is instructed to promptly update this office (PCCF) regarding the actions taken in this matter,” the notice, a copy of which has been obtained by IANS, read.
This is not the first instance of scrutiny for the park. Previously, on February 4, the PCCF’s office highlighted that the meat supplied to Van Vihar was sourced using licenses that had already been declared fraudulent by the Municipal Corporation.
The ongoing controversy is closely tied to a slaughterhouse located in the Jinsi area of Bhopal, which was recently sealed following accusations of cow slaughter amid public protests.
Investigations by the veterinary division of the Municipal Corporation have revealed that all documents of Aslam Qureshi, also known as Aslam Chamda, pertaining to his slaughterhouse were counterfeit, a fact confirmed as early as May 5, 2025.
Despite these findings, no FIR has been filed, allegedly due to collusion among officials.
The situation came to light after wildlife activist Ajay Dubey filed a complaint with the Forest Department, alleging intentional protection of illegal activities rather than mere administrative errors.
In response to the complaint, the PCCF has initiated an inquiry into the roles of Van Vihar management, the Municipal Corporation, and the police, all of whom are currently facing intense scrutiny.
The sealing of the slaughterhouse has raised further concerns, particularly regarding accusations that cow meat was being smuggled disguised as buffalo meat.
This ongoing investigation has illuminated the potential collusion between officials and meat suppliers, with the PCCF demanding accountability from the authorities at Van Vihar.