Konkan railway cops uncover inter-state beef smuggling ops

Margao: The Konkan railway police uncovered a beef smuggling operation between Delhi and Goa, with evidence suggesting the involvement of an organised syndicate, according to police sources.

The operation was exposed following the seizure of beef valued at approximately Rs 1.5 lakh at Margao railway station on Sunday. Authorities intercepted over 500kg of beef that was shipped as parcel cargo from Hazrat Railway Station in New Delhi.

Fayaz Ahmed Kengenavar, a Karnataka native currently residing in Davorlim, was arrested in connection with the case.

He was remanded in three days police custody as the investigation proceeded.

“The investigation is in its preliminary stages, but we obtained crucial leads regarding the involvement of a syndicate in this smuggling operation,” said a senior police official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Konkan Railway PI Sunil Gudlar said that authorities were verifying the documentation submitted when the consignment was booked. “The shipment was falsely declared as chicken when it was actually bovine meat. Fake documentation was used to book the consignment. We are actively following several leads,” Gudlar told TOI.

Health officials, as well as a veterinary doctor, examined the seized meat and declared it unfit for human consumption. Following court directives, the Margao Municipal Council was instructed to dispose of the contaminated meat.

Sources pointed to the possibility of a larger trafficking network. Police sources also said that their investigations might expand as they pursue leads about additional individuals supporting the smuggling operation.