Gandhinagar: The police have arrested three persons after seizing around 20 kg of suspected beef from a house in Bahial village of Dehgam taluka, an area that had earlier witnessed communal tension.

Acting on a tip-off that illegal slaughtering was being carried out at a residence near Gujarat Kanta in Bahial, police conducted a raid. On reaching the house, officers found the doors locked from inside and reportedly heard sounds of cutting. Upon entering, they found meat stored in a rear room and detained three youths present at the spot.

The accused were identified as Sadab Sajjadbhai Malek (19), Moin Mustaqbhai alias Mustafamiya Ibrahimbhai Sipai (21), and Muhammad Parvez Zakirhussain Nazirhussain Qureshi (19). Knives and other materials were also recovered from the premises.

A veterinarian later examined the seized meat and confirmed it to be beef. During interrogation, the accused allegedly revealed that a calf had been provided by another individual from the village. Police have registered a case and initiated further investigation to ascertain the source of the animal and any wider involvement.

The incident triggered tension in the village, with locals gathering near the spot. Police promptly shifted the accused and the seized material to the Bahial outpost to prevent escalation. Authorities said necessary legal action has been taken and efforts are underway to maintain law and order in the area. DeshGujarat