Authorities collect meat samples from Rajshahi restaurant following allegations of horse meat adulteration
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RAJSHAHI — Local authorities in Paba Upazila have launched an investigation into allegations that a popular restaurant in Nowhata Bazar is mixing horse meat with beef, following the circulation of a viral video on social media.
On Tuesday, officials from the Upazila administration and the Department of Livestock visited Faysal Bhaja Mangsho o Kalabhuna Hotel to collect samples of both raw and cooked meat for forensic testing. The inspection followed an 18-second video posted to Facebook on Monday evening by a user identified as Emdad Haq, who claimed the establishment was adulterating its beef dishes with horse meat.
Paba Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Md. Ibnul Abedin, who led the inspection team, stated that the samples have been secured to verify the authenticity of the allegations. Veterinary Surgeon Sohrab Khan, representing the Upazila Livestock Office, confirmed that the specimens would be sent to the Central Disease Investigation Laboratory (CDIL) in Dhaka. Officials expect the laboratory results to determine the species of the meat within four to seven days.
Khan added that authorities are also investigating the broader supply chain in the Nowhata area, including the identification of local slaughterhouses and meat suppliers. He noted that regular monitoring will be conducted to ensure compliance with government regulations regarding animal slaughter and meat quality control.
The owner of the establishment, Md. Faysal, has categorically denied the accusations, labeling the viral video a malicious rumor. Faysal, who maintains that he has operated his business in Nowhata for years, claimed the allegations were prompted by a dispute over a limited supply of beef liver. He alleged that the individual who posted the video was disgruntled after being denied a portion of liver, leading him to record and disparage the hotel in retaliation.
“I source my meat fresh from the butcher every morning, and the claims of using horse meat are entirely baseless,” Faysal said. “This campaign is damaging my business and my reputation.”
Paba Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Matin confirmed that Faysal has filed a formal written complaint regarding the incident. Police are currently investigating the matter to determine whether the social media posts constitute defamation or the spread of misinformation.
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