Four individuals were arrested in Prayagraj after being accused of serving beef biryani at their restaurant, sparking a police investigation and raising concerns about food safety and religious laws.
A case has been registered against four persons for allegedly serving biryani prepared with beef at a restaurant in the city, police said on Wednesday, adding that all the accused have been arrested.
The case pertains to a restaurant located at a food court in Roshan Bagh under the Khuldabad police station area.
Based on a complaint filed by Lal Mani Tiwari, an FIR was lodged on Monday against Mohammad Zaid, Mijjan, Ayan and Samsul Laka under relevant sections of the BNS and the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955.
According to the complaint, Tiwari alleged that he had been receiving information for several days that biryani made with beef was being sold at the restaurant located on the second floor of the food court. He claimed that his associates visited the outlet for confirmation.
The complaint further alleged that when Tiwari visited the restaurant and questioned the operator about selling beef, he was abused and threatened with death, following which he informed the police.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Manish Shandilya said all four named accused have been arrested. He added that the meat recovered from their possession has been sent to a laboratory to ascertain whether it is beef or meat of some other animal.
Police said further investigation in the case is underway.