Punjab Momo Factory Raid Uncovers Severed Head of Dog in Fridge

Mohali authorities have opened a wide-scale investigation following the horrifying revelation of a severed dog's head being found in a refrigerator during a raid on a fast-food production unit in Mattaur, Punjab. Authorities found the dog's head while conducting a raid on an unhygienic food production facility as part of a two-day operation, where they seized and destroyed a large amount of rotting food items.

Over the weekend, acting on the grievance of residents, city government officials stormed a private residence that was also used as a factory for making momos and spring rolls. One online video had exposed the unhygienic process at the factory, where contaminated water and spoilt vegetables were used by employees in food processing.

The factory had been operating for two years, making more than 100 kilograms of momos and spring rolls every day, which were distributed to Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Kalka. During the inspection, authorities discovered frozen meat, a crusher machine, and reused cooking oil on the premises, raising major health concerns.

The crackdown continued into Monday when the Municipal Corporation’s health team raided several chicken shops in Mattaur. Nearly 60 kilograms of foul-smelling frozen chicken were seized and disposed of. During the course of the investigation, authorities took samples of food such as momos, spring rolls, and chutney for laboratory analysis.

Perhaps the most shocking find among the raid was a severed dog's head, which was thought to be that of a pug, in a refrigerator. Horrified by the discovery, residents of the area cried foul, fearing that dog meat could be incorporated into food production. Nonetheless, authorities explained that though no evidence was established that the meat was being utilized in food offered to clients, it was reportedly being eaten by the factory workers, who are of Nepali origin. The head has been forwarded to the Veterinary Department for further analysis.

The District Health Officer (DHO) visited several sites associated with the case and detected serious breaches, such as the utilization of poor-quality ingredients. The operators of the factories were not registered, and authorities have suggested legal action against the owner and operators of the business.

Apart from health violations, the Mohali Municipal Corporation also issued monetary fines to the factory owner. ₹12,000 was given as a fine for unauthorized slaughter and another ₹10,000 fine for using plastic bags in bulk.

The authorities have stressed that stringent regulations and supervision are needed to avoid such tragedies in the future. The health authorities continue to keep a check on food manufacturing units in the area to follow safety norms, and additional steps will be taken once laboratory tests are completed.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)