The district administration of Puri has imposed prohibitory orders around ‘Jaya Hotel’ in the Satyabadi area after the eatery was sealed for allegedly serving beef in the guise of mutton.
The incident, which has sparked outrage among local residents, unfolded after a video surfaced online showing the controversial act.
Authorities have clamped prohibitory orders under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) within a one-kilometre radius of the hotel to prevent any potential unrest. The swift action comes in response to the viral video, which triggered widespread anger within the community.
As part of the investigation, samples of the seized meat have been sent to the State Laboratory at OUAT in Bhubaneswar for verification. Meanwhile, a sub-inspector from the Satyabadi police station has been transferred amid allegations of providing protection to the cattle mafia in the area.
Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain addressed the gravity of the situation, citing the involvement of religious sentiments. He assured the public that strict action would be taken against those found guilty and urged hotel proprietors to exercise caution.
However, the eatery’s owner has vehemently denied the allegations, attributing the controversy to mischief by competitors struggling to sustain their businesses in the region.
In light of the unfolding drama, local authorities are appealing for calm and emphasizing their commitment to maintaining law and order in the area. The community awaits the results of the investigation with bated breath as tensions remain high.
