Restaurant near Guwahati serves 'beef' in chicken biryani, stirs controversy

A restaurant in the Killing area near Guwahati has sparked widespread outrage following allegations that beef was served in chicken biryani, triggering protests from pressure groups. 

The accusations, brought forward by Bir Lachit Sena, have raised concerns about food safety, cultural sensitivities, and religious sentiments in Assam.

According to Bir Lachit Sena, the restaurant, allegedly owned by the nephew of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) chancellor, sold biryani adulterated with cow meat, deceiving customers. The outlet, reportedly named "Lazeez Syem," is at the centre of this controversy.

Meanwhile, India Today NE, when tried to reach out to the owner of the restaurant, it was found that the establishment was shut down in the early hours of November 22. 

Also Read: Assam: Akhil Gogoi slams Gaurav Gogoi, calls him 'arrogant'

It is to be mentioned here that, shop owners beside the establishment claimed that the restaurant owner is actually from Meghalaya and is not related to USTM, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

The issue came to light after a customer, accompanied by a Muslim friend, allegedly discovered beef in the chicken biryani. 

The Sena has urged both USTM and local authorities to investigate the allegations against "Lazeez Syem" and its possible connections to USTM’s management. 

In a written complaint filed at the Dispur Police Station, the Bir Lachit Sena stated- "We would like to inform you that yesterday, a few Hindu students at a restaurant were allegedly served beef labelled as chicken meat at an outlet named "Lazeez Syem." This incident has been strongly condemned by "Bir Lachit Sena, Assam." Therefore, we request USTM and the concerned authorities to investigate the owner of the said outlet and the individuals associated with USTM in connection with this incident."

Speaking to the media, the cultural secretary of Lackit Sena said, "It has been found that the USTM chancellor's nephew is running a restaurant called "Lazeez Syem" and my brother went there for lunch and ordered chicken biryani, however, it was found that the biryani was adulterated with beef and the same was confirmed by the victim's Muslim friend."