A wedding reception in the Civil Lines area on Sunday night ended in chaos after two guests objected to a food-counter label that read “beef curry”, leading to a scuffle and police intervention. The confusion arose because the term “beef” is commonly used in the region to refer to both buffalo meat, which is legal, and cow meat, which is banned.
Police said the trouble began when guests Akash and Gaurav Kumar noticed the label and began recording a video. Their actions triggered an argument, which soon escalated. A police team and officials from the Food and Drug Administration reached the venue and collected food samples for forensic testing.
Circle Officer Sarvam Singh said three people, the caterer and two others involved in the fight, were detained for questioning but later released. “Action will be taken only after the forensic report confirms what kind of meat was served. No case has been filed yet,” he said.
Gaurav Kumar also submitted a written complaint, alleging that the caterer had intentionally hurt religious sentiments. Police reiterated that misunderstandings over the term “beef” often cause tensions in the area.
As the incident became public, BJP workers gathered at the Civil Lines Police Station, demanding strict action. BSP leader Salman Shahid also reached the spot and accused BJP workers of “high-handed behaviour”, saying they ignored explanations that the issue had arisen from a misunderstanding.
