Mymensingh's Muktagacha: 35 Sacks of Horse Bones and Hides Recovered, Panic Over Beef Market

Thirty-five sacks of horse bones and hides have been recovered in Muktagacha upazila of Mymensingh. The sacks were recovered from the upazila's new bypass area in the early hours of Thursday (29 October).

Police and local sources said the sacks first aroused curiosity among residents and rumours spread through the area. When the sacks were opened, horse bones and hides were found inside. Who dumped the sacks in the middle of the night is not yet known.

Local residents allege that a dishonest syndicate is slaughtering horses and selling the meat as beef. They say an administrative investigation is needed to verify the allegation.

Residents claim the horses were slaughtered at one place and the meat taken elsewhere. Although there had long been rumours of horse meat being mixed with beef for sale in the area, no evidence to prove it had been found until now. The recovery of 35 sacks of horse remains together has brought that allegation to the fore again.

Residents believe there is a horse market in Jamalpur. They allege a syndicate buys horses cheaply from that market and sells them to hotels and restaurants, and that the syndicate remains out of reach.

The incident has created panic among local residents over beef.

Muktagacha police station officer-in-charge Kamrul Islam said police visited the scene after receiving the news and were helping to bury the hides. The matter will be investigated and further action taken, he said.

Muktagacha upazila nirbahi officer Krishna Chandra confirmed the matter and said the concerned parties had been directed to investigate where the horse remains came from and who brought them.