Telangana: Explain remark on beef eating, Collector told

Murali later apologised saying that he should not have mentioned Brahmins. “I should not have taken the name of a particular community; I was just highlighting how diets have changed over the decades,’’ he said. “I apologise if I have hurt anyone with the comparison. During my interactions in the villages, some elderly persons told me that that they have stopped consuming beef and pork due to religious restrictions. That is not fair,’’ he said. He added that one should eat whatever food one likes.

Brahmin associations in Hyderabad criticised Murli after local news channels reported his comments. They lodged a complaint with Telangana police chief Anurag Sharma, prompting the government to seek explanation from the collector. Murli told The Sunday Express that he was just advocating protein-rich food. “We are witnessing rise of diseases like TB in Telangana and doctors are saying it is due to weak immune system caused by lack of protein-rich diet,’’ he said. “These days due to various festivals and religious vows people have stopped eating various kinds of meat. I did not intend to hurt any community’s feelings. If I did, I sincerely apologise,’’ he said.