SAHIWAL, March 7: A butcher was held here on Monday for supplying unwholesome beef to central jail while 200kg meat was seized.

Reports said a team, comprising magistrate Malak Ata Muhammadul Haq, senior veterinary officer Ali Hussain and local journalists, raided the slaughter house of the central jail and arrested butcher Ashraf Mahnga while meat contractor Rana Riaz Ahmed managed his escape. Boneless beef is being supplied to the central jail at the rate of Rs140 per kg.

Civil lines police have registered a case. When contacted, the jail superintendent said there were 3,630 inmates, 392 condemned prisoners and 29 women prisoners. He said beef was given to them twice a week - Monday and Thursday - while poultry was provided on other days.

DACOITIES: Dacoits struck three times here on Monday in the district. Reports said two robbers deprived Qasim Ali of Chak Muhammadpur of his potato sale proceeds amounting to Rs50,000 when he was on way home.

Eight bandits entered the house of Rai Tariq Waheed in Chak 85/D. They held hostage his family members at gunpoint and made off with Rs400,000, ornaments worth Rs200,000 and electronic goods. Robbers took away motorbike from school teacher Zafar Iqbal near Chak 68/5-L. Police have registered the cases.

STRIKE: Doctors observed strike here on Monday at the DHQ hospital demanding the arrest of Punjab Rural Support Programme manager who allegedly misbehaved with their colleague. However, citizens have protested against the strike and demanded an inquiry in this regard.

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