21-member group formed for justice in beef seizure case

In response to the recent recovery of a large quantity of beef from a cold storage unit behind Jyoti Vaishno Dhaba in Chachoki, Phagwara, Hindu organisations have formed a 21-member action committee to lead the pursuit of justice.

The committee was established during a meeting at Hanumangarhi Temple in Phagwara on Sunday afternoon, presided over by Shiv Sena Punjab Vice-President Inderjit Karwal.

The newly formed committee includes prominent figures from various Hindu and nationalist organisations, such as BJP, Vishav Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, Hindu Suraksha Samiti, Laghu Udyog Bharti, and Shiv Sena. Key participants in the meeting included Pankaj Chawla, former president of Block BJP Phagwara; Hari Krishan Duggal, president of VHP Phagwara; Deepak Bhardwaj, president of Hindu Suraksha Samiti; Ashok Sethi, president of Laghu Udyog Bharti; Harash Bhalla, president of Doaba Zone Bajrang Dal; Vipan Sharma, spokesperson for Shiv Sena Punjab; and Ashu Sampla, BJP leader from Phagwara.

The leaders expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Phagwara police administration, accusing it of failing to take action against the prime suspects, including Manjit Singh, the owner of the dhaba where the cold storage was located. Allegations were made that the beef trade had been operating discreetly from the location, yet the primary culprits remain unapprehend. The committee also criticised the police for not tracing the supply and distribution chain of the recovered beef, thereby failing to identify both the sources and intended recipients.

A unanimous demand for transparency was voiced by the leaders, calling for the police to disclose the suppliers of the beef to the cold storage.

The incident, which has hurt religious sentiments across various communities, was described as a serious failure of the local administration in both law enforcement and public accountability.

To ensure proper follow-up and prevent further incidents, the 21-member committee will closely monitor the investigation, coordinate with legal experts, and initiate public mobilisation if necessary. The committee is also prepared to lead future actions, including protests, should authorities delay justice.

Issuing a stern warning, the leaders declared that if the Phagwara police do not take concrete steps to arrest those responsible and fully expose the network behind the illegal beef trade, Hindu leaders would be forced to launch an indefinite “Fast unto death” protest in Phagwara. They stressed that the agitation would continue until justice is served.

The committee is expected to hold its first formal session soon to chart its course of action and evaluate the progress of the investigation. The unified stance of these organisations signals increased community vigilance and determination to safeguard religious and cultural values.