KOCHI: A section of employees under the banner of the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) staged a unique protest at the regional office of Canara Bank in Kochi on Thursday, alleging that the regional manager had banned the serving of beef in the bank’s canteen.The protesting employees served beef at the premises, claiming that the newly appointed regional manager, a native of Bihar, had instructed the canteen staff not to serve the dish as he does not consume it.Interestingly, the protest was initially planned against the regional manager on charges of mentally harassing a woman employee. However, the demonstration eventually turned into a “beef protest.”“A canteen has been functioning inside the bank for years, serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including beef, on occasion. The manager’s directive not to serve beef is an infringement on individual freedom of choice. Banning beef in a public sector bank violates the rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution,” said a senior BEFI leader.
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