Phagwara beef processing case: Key accused still absconding

Tensions continue to simmer in Phagwara days after the exposure of a major beef smuggling racket, with key accused—including the owner of Jyoti Dhaba and the operator of an adjoining cold storage facility in Hadda Rorri—still absconding. Despite police efforts to pacify public outrage, Hindu leaders remain firm in their demand for a thorough investigation, alleging the existence of a powerful nexus behind the operation.

The recovery of a large quantity of beef from a cold storage unit located behind the Jyoti Dhaba in the Chachoki area has sparked widespread condemnation. Prominent figures, including Phagwara MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal, BJP national leader Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal, former union ministers Som Parkash and Vijay Sampla and other Hindu and Sikh leaders have demanded immediate arrests and stringent action against all those involved.

Adding to the controversy, the leaders have called for the dismissal of an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor, who is the wife of one of the arrested accused, Vijay Basant. They allege political patronage in shielding those responsible for what they describe as a crime not only against the law but also against their religious sentiment.

Grewal strongly condemned the incident, terming it a “spiritual assault” and a “direct insult” to the religious beliefs of millions. He asserted that cow slaughter was not only illegal, but also morally reprehensible and called for a high-level probe to uncover the alleged collusion between politicians, law enforcement and municipal officials. He further demanded that the assets of the accused be frozen, their business licences be revoked and the premises involved permanently blacklisted.

Shiv Sena Punjab vice-president Inderjit Karwal and VHP leader Hari Krishan Duggal urged the authorities concerned to trace and recover the carcasses of the slaughtered cows for religious rites. They emphasised the deep cultural and spiritual importance of protecting cows, and said that any desecration could not be tolerated.

The leaders warned that any attempt to shield the accused would be seen as direct complicity. They called on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and central agencies to intervene, stating that only firm and transparent action could restore public faith. Stressing that cow protection was part of India’s national ethos, they urged the government to show with zero-tolerance and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice without delay.