Around 12 horses were slaughtered in a forest in Sreepur, Gazipur, with miscreants reportedly taking away the meat and leaving behind the heads, skins, legs and bones.
The incident came to light Monday morning, sparking concern and panic among local residents.
Locals said residents of Nayapara and surrounding areas under Gosinga union of Sreepur upazila spotted severed horse heads, skins and bones dumped in the forest at dawn. As the news spread, crowds gathered at the spot.
Residents suspect a gang slaughtered the horses at night and took away the meat. It could not be immediately confirmed where the meat was taken or the motive behind the slaughter.
Suman Prodhan, a Union Parishad member, said he visited the site at dawn after being informed by locals. He added that locals saw the horse heads and bones scattered in the forest.
He demanded a thorough investigation to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
The incident has also triggered anxiety in the community, with many fearing the horse meat may have been secretly supplied to local markets. However, no concrete information about its sale or supply has been confirmed.
Shahinur Alam, officer‑in‑charge of Sreepur Police Station, said a police team was dispatched immediately after receiving information from locals. He added that the forest officer and Upazila Nirbahi Officer had also been informed.
Md Ashraf Hossain, Sreepur upazila livestock officer, said they were inspecting the scene and examining the situation.
Efforts were under way to determine where the horses came from, who slaughtered them and where the meat was taken, in order to identify those involved.
