Puri eatery sealed over claims of beef being sold as mutton; owner denies, says business rivalry behind issue

The eatery’s owner has trashed the claims of beef being sold, attributing them to a business rivalry.

Puri SP Vinit Agrawal told The Indian Express that a joint team comprising food safety officials and police searched the eatery and recovered raw meat, samples of which have been sent to the state laboratory at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology.

“We are waiting for the lab report on the allegations following which further action will be taken,” said Agrawal.

A senior district official said the eatery has been sealed to avoid any law-and-order situation. He said action would be taken if the allegations are found to be true.

The eatery, located on a national highway on the way to Puri, was well known for its mutton preparations.

Meanwhile, police also arrested a person for assaulting a youth over claims of beef trade and transportation.