Two persons held; 800 kg of meat seized
Police find a large quantity of beef concealed inside the vehicles.
VALPOI
Valpoi Police on Saturday seized around 800 kilograms of illegally transported beef from the Chorla Ghat area on the Goa–Belagavi highway, foiling yet another attempt to transport prohibited meat into Goa. Two vehicles were confiscated and two persons were arrested in connection with the case. Police suspect the involvement of a larger organised racket.
According to police sources, the seized meat is suspected to be from approximately five cows, based on preliminary assessment. The operation was carried out following specific information provided by Bajrang Dal activists regarding the movement of illegal beef from Belagavi towards Goa via the Chorla route.
As per details, two vehicles entered Goa early Sunday morning. The vehicles were allegedly followed by activists and intercepted at Chorla Ghat, after which the matter was immediately reported to Valpoi Police. Upon inspection, police found a large quantity of beef concealed inside the vehicles.
The arrested accused have been identified as Irfan Mehboob Sher Hasan Sheikh, a resident of Carapur–Sanquelim, and another individual from Kajiwada, Vitthalapur, Sanquelim. Both were taken into custody, and offences have been registered under relevant sections of the law. The operation was conducted under the leadership of Police Inspector Vijay Shirodkar.
Police officials stated that the accused failed to produce mandatory documents required for the transportation of beef, rendering the consignment illegal. After completing necessary formalities, including a panchnama in the presence of veterinary officials, the seized meat was disposed of as per procedure.
Authorities believe the incident points to the existence of a larger smuggling network, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other individuals involved. More arrests are likely, police said.
Over the past year, five similar seizures involving illegal transportation of beef from Belagavi into Goa have been reported, raising concerns among locals. Residents have demanded increased vigilance, routine vehicle checks, and regular checkpoints along vulnerable routes, including the Jambhul Junction shortcut road, to curb such illegal activities.
