‘Witch-Hunt’ or Safety Drive? Wazwan Seizure Sparks Row in Bandipora

Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Aug 8 — The recent recovery of thousands of kilograms of adulterated and rotten meat from various parts of Kashmir has triggered alarm among residents, prompting intensified raids on restaurants, dhabas, and food outlets.

But in Bandipora, the crackdown has taken a controversial turn, with hoteliers and traders accusing the administration of overreach and procedural violations.

On Thursday, a joint team from the Municipal Council Bandipora and the Revenue Department entered several hotels and restaurants, seizing all stored food items — particularly wazwan kept in freezers. Business owners alleged that the officials acted without involving food safety experts or collecting samples for testing.

A local restaurant owner told Kashmir Convener that during the inspection, he was asked whether the meat used in his kitchen was procured locally or brought from outside the district. “When I said it was brought from other districts, they seized all the ready-made food,” he said, adding that the action caused them huge financial losses and reputational damage.

President of the Trade Federation Bandipora, Ali Mohammad, strongly criticized the operation, calling it a “witch-hunt” and “procedurally flawed.”

He said he had spoken to both the Municipal Council and the Revenue Department, but each was blaming the other for the decision to destroy the food.

“Surprisingly, neither of them had the authority to destroy the food without evidence. We support the administration in eradicating unethical practices, but they must follow proper legal procedure,” he said.

Several restaurant owners said they are planning to file a formal complaint against members of the inspection team, alleging illegal destruction of food and reputational harm. They confirmed they are consulting lawyers to initiate legal action.

When contacted, Chief Executive Officer of the Municipal Council Bandipora, Aijaz Ahmad, said it was a “joint inspection.” However, when asked who determined that the seized food was rotten or substandard, he shifted responsibility to the Revenue Department.

Designated officer Food Safety Bandipora Zahoor Ahmad told Kashmir Convener that he has no information about the market checking and were not informed about the same.

Dr. Raja Muzaffar, a noted RTI activist, criticised the manner in which the inspection was carried out.

Taking to Social Media platforms, Dr Muzaffar stated, “This is how our government officials check the quality of food in dhabas and restaurants to detect adulteration? This is from Bandipora. I request authorities to train all officials who conduct market checks, especially for food adulteration. They must be well-versed with the Food Safety Act, and Food Safety Officers must always accompany them. The DC Bandipora must take note of this, and I appeal to Health Minister Sakina Itoo to intervene,” he said.