Team Goemkarponn
RAIA: An alleged illegal operation involving the manufacture of ghee from animal fat has been detected at Santimol, Raia, in Salcete, following a complaint lodged with the police. In a separate action in the area, around 100 kg of beef was reportedly seized from a shop over alleged unhygienic storage and selling conditions.
According to the information received, Bhagwan Redkar approached the police at around 3 pm and reported that Hidar Bepari was allegedly preparing ghee from animal fat at his residence in Santimol.
Following the complaint, PSI Narayan Pinge, accompanied by the complainant, visited the premises to verify the allegations. During the inspection, police reportedly found Bepari engaged in the alleged manufacturing activity. Preliminary verification also indicated that he did not possess a valid licence or permission from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to carry out the activity.
The matter was immediately brought to the notice of the FDA authorities, who subsequently visited the premises. The FDA team collected samples of the suspected product for examination and sealed the remaining raw materials and products found at the site, in accordance with the prescribed procedure.
In a related development, around 100 kg of beef allegedly being sold under unhygienic conditions was reportedly seized from a shop in Raia. Separately, 30 containers of tallow, locally referred to as *toop*, were reportedly found at a residence.
Bajrang Dal activists informed the FDA, alleging that tallow was being extracted illegally at the premises. The authorities are yet to provide further details regarding the inspection and action taken in connection with these developments.
Bepari was subsequently brought to the police station and placed under preventive arrest or detention as per law, with the stated objective of preventing the commission of any cognizable offence and maintaining public safety and order.
Further action is being taken in coordination with the concerned FDA authorities. The nature and composition of the suspected product will require confirmation through examination of the collected samples, while further details regarding the reported beef seizure and the 30 containers of tallow are awaited.
