Strict Norms Choke Beef Supply Before Bakrid

Hyderabad: With Id‑ul‑Zuha (Bakrid) fast approaching, transportation of livestock into the city has become difficult under strict norms, forcing most ox and buffalo meat shops to shut down for the first time in several localities. At a few places, experienced traders are procuring consignments directly from districts and selling at exorbitant prices.

In parts of the Old City, families for whom beef remains a dietary staple are struggling. “We have never witnessed a situation like this before. For days, it has been absent from our dining table. We are trying to meet protein needs with eggs for now. My brother toured the entire market two days back and returned empty‑handed,” said Fouzia Begum, a homemaker from Pahadishareef.

Others who managed to buy at inflated rates said prices have shot up. “Beef usually costs Rs 400–Rs 440 in upmarket areas. This time I paid Rs 540 after days of futile efforts. One trader managed to bring a consignment from Zaheerabad. Each Bakrid the situation worsens,” said Md Mujahid Ali of Tolichowki.

Former MLC and Qureshi Association leader Mohammed Saleem said transportation has been affected as Eid approached. He felt fear of being caught was discouraging traders. “Without blaming anyone, I say traders should not face harassment for legitimate livestock shipments, including ox and buffalo. Slaughterhouses in the city are unaffected. Government should allow what is legal. There should be no law and order problem,” he noted.

MBT leader Amjedullah Khan alleged that conditions have worsened, with even buffaloes being stopped en route to Hyderabad. “People chose the Congress government to replace the BRS government to overcome such issues. Unlike Karnataka, where law and order challenges exist in containing anti‑social elements, Telangana has completely failed. There is an entire mafia at work,” he charged.

Bakrid will be celebrated on May 28. Along with sheep, devout Muslims sacrifice permitted livestock, including ox. However, tough norms and alleged harassment by police and cow vigilantes have impacted transportation, leaving beef unavailable days ahead of the festival.