Udupi: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Mangaluru, has urged the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) not to reopen the Kudroli slaughterhouse, which has remained closed following multiple legal and regulatory concerns. A delegation of VHP leaders met MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Naik on Thursday and submitted a memorandum seeking the permanent closure of the facility.
VHP delegation meets MCC Commissioner
The memorandum was submitted by a team led by VHP Mangaluru District President H. K. Purushottam, Division Secretary Shivananda Mendon, District Cow Protection Chief Harish Kumar Shet, and other office-bearers. The team requested the Commissioner to reject any move to revive the slaughterhouse, citing legal violations and the potential for renewed incidents of illegal cattle transport.
VHP members said the slaughterhouse, previously operated by the MCC in Kudroli, had been shut down due to multiple compliance issues. They stated that the facility lacked adequate space and failed to follow mandatory operational norms. “The slaughterhouse was closed owing to several legal issues, and it did not meet the required standards. These shortcomings were known to the authorities for years,” the delegation noted.
Allegations of illegal cattle transport
The VHP strongly opposed any attempt to restart the facility, alleging that cows and calves—considered sacred to Hindus—were previously brought to the Kudroli unit in violation of the law. The leaders claimed that several cases of illegal cattle transportation had been recorded over the past decade, with animals allegedly subjected to cruel handling and transport methods.
According to the VHP, the movement of cattle to the slaughterhouse had triggered numerous complaints and protests earlier, particularly from residents and cow protection groups. The organisation argued that reopening the facility would revive such illegal activities and create social tension in the region.
Accusations against vested interests
In the memorandum, VHP members claimed that certain groups with commercial interests were pressuring the city corporation to restart the slaughterhouse. They expressed concern that reopening the unit would pave the way for renewed slaughter of cows and calves under unlawful circumstances.
“Their intention behind pushing for the reopening is clear—they want the slaughterhouse operational so that illegally transported cows and calves can be slaughtered again. Such activities will hurt religious sentiments and may even trigger conflicts,” the memorandum stated.
The VHP delegation argued that MCC had previously explored options to shift the slaughterhouse to a more spacious location, but those efforts did not reach completion. They said this was further proof that the earlier premises were unfit for operation and should not be reconsidered.
Appeal for permanent closure
The VHP has called upon the MCC to prioritise public sentiment and legal compliance over commercial considerations. The leaders insisted that a permanent closure would help prevent illegal cattle transport, reduce conflict, and respect the religious beliefs of a large section of the population.
They added that maintaining peace and communal harmony should be the primary responsibility of the civic administration. Any decision to resume slaughterhouse operations, they said, must consider the possible repercussions for law and order.
Conclusion
With growing demands from various sections over the future of the Kudroli slaughterhouse, the MCC now faces a crucial decision. While VHP leaders have strongly opposed reopening the facility, citing religious, legal, and social concerns, the civic body will need to evaluate regulatory norms, public sentiment, and administrative feasibility before taking a final decision. For now, the issue remains under active discussion, with the VHP’s appeal adding to the ongoing debate over cattle-related policies in the region.