Dog's severed head found in momo factory fridge in Mohali
What's the story
A severed head of a dog was found inside a fridge during a recent raid at a fast-food factory in Mattaur, Mohali in Punjab.
This revelation came during an extensive two-day campaign to check unsanitary food production in the region.
The raid resulted in confiscation and destruction of large quantities of spoiled food by officials.
Community concerns
Raid triggered by community complaints
The raid was launched after locals complained about unhygienic practices at the factory.
On Sunday, a municipal team raided a momos and spring roll factory operating out of a residential house.
The factory, which was being run out of the residential house for two years, churned out over 100kg of momos and spring rolls daily for supply across Chandigarh, Panchkula and Kalka.
During the raid, frozen meat, a crusher machine and reused cooking oil were found on the premises.
Unsanitary conditions
Meat and oil found at the factory
The operation was extended to chicken shops in Mattaur on the second day, where nearly 60kg of foul-smelling frozen chicken was seized and destroyed.
Samples of food items including momos, spring rolls and chutney were collected for laboratory testing as part of an ongoing investigation into such practices.
In one of the raids, a severed dog head was found in a refrigerator in the factory.
Consumption claims
Severed dog head not used in food production
Though locals alerted about its presence and shouted "billa," officials said it wasn't used in food production. Rather, they alleged factory workers of Nepali origin were eating it themselves.
The severed head has now been sent to the Veterinary Department for examination to check if dog meat was used in any of their products.
Factory violations
Health officer finds multiple violations
Speaking on the matter, Mohali Civil Surgeon Dr. Sangita Jaina said recommendations had been sent for further action against both the factory owner and those running the business, to Deputy Commissioner and police department.
"Once the written report is submitted, necessary legal steps will be taken," she said.
The Mohali municipal corporation also fined the factory owner ₹12,000 for slaughter and another ₹10,000 for finding a large number of plastic bags.