Bhubaneswar: The Puri administration has sealed ‘Jaya Hotel’ on NH-216 in Sakhigopal area following allegations that the roadside eatery mixed beef in mutton dishes.
The eatery is popular for its mutton dishes and is frequented by travellers and locals, alike.
According to sources, the district administration and police in presence of a magistrate sealed the hotel and put up a wire fence around the premises on Thursday, after a video, claiming that beef fat was mixed with mutton at the eatery before cooking, went viral on social media.
Sources further stated that Sample of the meat seized from the eatery has been sent to the State Laboratory at OUAT in Bhubaneswar to verify the claims. A sub-inspector of Satyabadi police station has also been transferred to the headquarters amid allegations of providing protection to cattle mafia in the area.
Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain said that this is serious allegations since it involves religious sentiments. “The video is the primary source of information. Police conducted raids and later sealed the eatery. People concerned are being questioned and strict action will be taken against those found guilty. It is being investigated if it is being carried out in an organised manner. The hoteliers will also be asked to practice caution,” he added.
Meanwhile, the eatery owner has denied the allegation and termed it as a mischief by those unable to do business in the area.