Bengaluru: City police have arrested two restaurant owners for allegedly deceiving customers by serving beef while claiming it was mutton at a restaurant in the city. The arrests followed multiple complaints from customers who suspected that meat sold as mutton dishes was actually beef.
The accused have been identified as Jijoo Alexander of Byrati village and Shibu K B of Tippanna Layout. According to police, the duo, originally from Kerala and residing in a rented house in Byrati, owned Aisiri Hub Kayaloram Restaurant located in Bommenahalli.
Police said the case came to light after several customers raised concerns regarding the type of meat being served at the establishment.
Complaints trigger police investigation
According to investigating officers, police received multiple complaints alleging that the restaurant was serving beef while marketing the dishes as mutton.
Officials stated that beef was not listed anywhere on the restaurant’s menu. However, customers reportedly claimed they were served beef after ordering mutton dishes.
Based on the complaints, police initiated a discreet verification process to ascertain the authenticity of the allegations before taking further action.
Plainclothes officer verifies allegations
As part of the investigation, police deployed a plainclothes officer to visit the restaurant posing as a regular customer.
The officer purchased dishes that were advertised and sold as mutton. The food samples collected during the operation were subsequently sent for examination with the assistance of officials from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences.
According to police, laboratory analysis of the samples confirmed that the meat served was beef and not mutton as represented to customers.
Following the verification, police proceeded with legal action against the restaurant owners.
Accused booked under cattle protection law
After confirming the findings, police arrested Jijoo Alexander and Shibu K B. The accused were booked under the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020.
Following their arrest, the two were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody at the Central Prison.
Police said the investigation is continuing and additional evidence is being collected as part of the case.
Third partner absconding
Authorities have also identified another partner in the restaurant business, Abhilash, who is currently absconding.
Police have launched efforts to trace and apprehend him. Officials stated that further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
The case has drawn attention due to allegations of misrepresentation of food products and violations of provisions under the state’s cattle preservation laws. Police have urged restaurant operators to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements while serving food to customers.