JOIN USA Delhi government inquiry into a controversial police raid on Kerala House canteen over checking sale of “beef” has found lapses on the part of the cops and suggested spreading awareness about the law that deals with beef and buffalo meat issues.
The police raid, which evoked national outrage and a political storm, was examined by the divisional commissioner who has submitted a report.
The report said that as per the provisions of the Delhi Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act (DACP), 1994 and rules framed under it, the Delhi Police have no authority to “enter, enquire and search the presence and sale of cow meat in the canteen”.
It said only the director of Animal Husbandry Department or a veterinary officer authorised by him is competent to enter any premises to check complaints related to beef.
The report also questioned the intentions of policemen behind two search teams questioning the canteen staff within a short span starting from 4:15 pm on October 26.
Though it was amply clear to the police team during the first visit to the canteen that no beef was served, it made a second visit after a gap of 15-20 minutes which the inquiry report termed “absolutely unethical”. The SHO was even accused of rude behaviour in the report.