Team Herald
MARGAO: Chaos broke out in Margao’s bustling South Goa Planning and Development Authority Market on Wednesday morning as beef vendors clashed with alleged ‘Gau Rakshak’ (cow protector) group members who disrupted their supply operations during the peak Christmas shopping season.
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The dispute, which occurred around 8.30 am, turned violent when the alleged vigilante group intercepted a vehicle unloading beef, claiming illegalities in the supply chain. What began as a tense standoff escalated into a physical clash, leaving three beef vendors and two members of the Gau Rakshak group injured.
For the beef vendors, this was the tipping point. For several months now, they have been grappling with meat shortage due to similar disruptions at the Goa-Karnataka border, where their beef is sourced from. Many voiced outrage, accusing the self-styled ‘vigilantes’ of harassment and extortion, which has plagued their trade for months.
“This is too much,” fumed Manna Bepari, president of the All Goa Beef Traders Association. “We are running a legal business, but these people are creating unnecessary hurdles—first at the borders and now directly attacking us in the markets.”
Majid Bepari, a vendor injured in the scuffle, described the attack. “They came with iron rods, stopped our vehicle, and began threatening us, all while claiming to be Gau Rakshaks,” he said, adding that such incidents make it impossible to do business, especially during the festive season vital to their livelihood.
Frustration reached a boiling point as vendors gathered at the Fatorda Police Station, demanding immediate government intervention. Many warned they would halt operations if authorities failed to act swiftly, a move that could disrupt Christmas preparations for countless Goans.
Riyaz Bepari, another vendor, called out the vigilantes: “If they believe we are doing something illegal, let them take it to the police and the courts, not resort to violence. This attack shows they aren’t looking for the law—they’re looking to incite communal tension.”
The row has sparked anger across Goa, with many residents questioning the motives behind such disruptions during the Christmas season. Beef is a staple for many Goan households and tourists flocking to Goa this time of year, and vendors feel the harassment is designed to provoke tensions.
Milagres Fernandes, a Fatorda resident and meat consumer, didn’t mince words: “This is clearly aimed at disturbing harmony. During a festive season that brings tourists and goodwill to Goa, these actions only tarnish our reputation.”
On the other side, Bhagwan Redkar, representing the Gau Rakshak group, defended their actions, alleging they had information about illegal beef supply. “We did not attack any vendors. We only came to investigate potential wrongdoings,” he claimed but sidestepped questions on who gave them the authority to intervene.
The clash has amplified calls for the government to act decisively. Meat vendors revealed they’ve submitted multiple petitions to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, highlighting ongoing harassment at border checkpoints and now within city markets. Yet, no concrete action has been taken.
As Goa prepares to welcome thousands of tourists for the last week of 2024, residents fear such unrest will harm the State’s reputation as a peaceful, vibrant destination. “This needs to stop,” Fernandes insisted. “We need our government to take control before it spirals further.”
No protection, no meat: Vendors threaten to strike work
MARGAO: The All-Goa Beef Traders Association has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening to shut down all meat shops across Goa starting Monday, if the authorities do not address the problems faced by butchers and vendors.
The Association convened a meeting on Saturday evening at Khareband-Margao, where they expressed their anger and frustration over recent attacks on beef traders.
Manna Bepari, the Association’s president, demanded immediate intervention from the Chief Minister to resolve the situation, especially given the timing – Christmas and New Year celebrations when demand for beef is at its peak.
