Date:16/03/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/03/16/stories/2004031615070300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Metro denies allegation

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, MARCH 15. Metro Cash & Carry has denied the allegation by the Swadeshi Jagran Manch that it sells beef from cows slaughtered in violation of the law. The company has said that it only sells, at its distribution centres here, beef from oxen slaughtered legally at government slaughterhouses.

In an official note, Metro has said that it recognises and respects the Mysore Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act that has banned the slaughter of cows and the sale of their flesh.

Beef sold at government slaughterhouses in the State is the flesh of oxen and not that of cows, the company has said. The company buys lamb and mutton from "authorised government slaughterhouses," according to the note.