Guwahati, June 8: A sense of unease has gripped the Cotton University area following the discovery of what appears to be cow meat remains on Cotton Hostel Road on June 7.

Reports indicate that unidentified individuals may have discarded leftover beef near the university premises during the night.

The presence of prohibited cow meat close to such a prominent educational institution has alarmed local residents and ignited public outrage.

An official from the Panbazar Police Station confirmed the occurrence of the incident when contacted.

“Indeed, the incident took place yesterday, and tensions persisted into the night. Protests are currently happening outside the university, and we are conducting a thorough investigation,” the official stated.

This incident has raised significant concerns regarding potential attempts to disrupt the academic atmosphere and incite communal tensions in the region.

The timing of the act, coinciding with the celebration of Eid-al-Adha, has intensified the controversy, with many claiming it was a “deliberate attempt to disturb communal harmony.”

“According to the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, the sale or possession of cow meat or its remains is prohibited within a five-kilometer radius of areas populated by Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities. This incident is a blatant violation of that law. We feel deeply offended and demand stringent action from the authorities, along with an apology from those responsible,” expressed a Cotton University student during a press interaction.

Authorities are currently investigating key elements of the case, including the source of the banned meat and the identities of those who discarded it near the university.

This story is still developing, and further updates are anticipated.