1.2 Tonnes Suspected Beef Seized from Dakshin Express in Delhi
Police seized over 1,200 kg of suspected beef transported from Hyderabad to Delhi on the Dakshin Express, labeled as mutton.
In a major crackdown on the illegal transport of prohibited meat, authorities have seized approximately 1,286.35 kg of meat suspected to be beef at the New Washing Line (NZM) railway yard in Delhi. The massive consignment was transported from Hyderabad via the Dakshin Express, sparking a swift response from law enforcement agencies.
The Operation: A Tip-Off Leads to Seizure
The operation was set in motion on Sunday morning following a critical intelligence input. Around 9:00 AM, the Railway Vigilance Unit at Baroda House alerted the authorities about a cargo shipment allegedly containing beef traveling toward the capital.
Acting on this information, the Station House Officer (SHO) and the Investigating Officer (IO) rushed to the railway yard to intercept the shipment. To ensure the legality and accuracy of the seizure, a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team and a veterinary doctor were summoned to the scene to collect samples and complete the necessary legal formalities, including e-sakshya documentation.
The Deception: Labeled as Mutton
Upon inspection, officials discovered 20 thermocol carton packages arriving from Hyderabad. In an attempt to bypass regulations, the cargo had been deceptively booked under the labels of "Mutton" and "Meat."
The scale of the seizure—over 1.2 tonnes—has led to a heightened security presence at the site, with teams from the Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) stationed to manage the situation. Authorities have stated that once the laboratory results confirm the nature of the meat, the legal process for its disposal will be initiated.
IRCTC Cracks Down on Unauthorized Catering
While this seizure highlights issues with illegal cargo, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has also been intensifying its own enforcement drives. In a separate move on Saturday, IRCTC launched a stringent campaign to eliminate unauthorized e-catering websites and mobile applications.
The corporation is taking legal action against entities that misuse the IRCTC brand or operate unlawfully, citing concerns over passenger health, safety, and financial privacy. IRCTC has urged passengers to avoid third-party apps and instead use the following official channels for meal bookings:
- The official IRCTC website.
- The official Food on Track mobile application.
- IRCTC-authorized e-catering aggregators and vendors.