Festivals generally convey a message of joy, camaraderie, and peace. India has long been defined by the tradition of people from different faiths participating in each other’s festivals. However, this picture appears to be changing in recent years.
This pattern begins every year just days before Eid al-Adha (Bakrid). Disputes arise over bringing goats into housing societies, temporary structures erected for the ritual sacrifice are dismantled, and protests erupt over prayers or the sacrifice itself. In many places, ‘cow terrorists’ take the law into their own hands, while in other instances, Hindus themselves attempt to vitiate the atmosphere by discarding meat. Meanwhile, the administration often imposes restrictions in the name of maintaining peace, restrictions that disproportionately affect Muslims.
Amid this shift, Eid al-Adha is no longer merely a religious festival. It has become an occasion marked by a surge in incidents of hatred, surveillance, and violence against Muslims in the name of cow and animal protection. It has turned into an event exploited for communal polarization and is increasingly becoming an opportunity to display hatred towards Muslims under the guise of professed love for animals. Year after year, there has been a visible rise in the activities of cow vigilantes linked to Hindutva organizations, along with associated hate crimes around the time of Eid al-Adha.
‘Cow Terrorists’ Aren’t Acting Alone
As Eid al-Adha approached, it is not just ‘cow terrorists’ who become active in the name of cow protection; the police also go into overdrive. According to reports, the Hyderabad Police held a high-level coordination meeting involving various departments on April 22 to ensure the peaceful observance of Eid al-Adha. Held at the Madhura Nagar Community Hall, the meeting was attended by around 200 people, and similar meetings were organized across the state. Officials announced that mandatory check-posts would operate in three shifts to monitor the movement of animals and ensure compliance with all legal regulations. Strict warnings were also issued against the illegal transport, sale, or slaughter of cows and calves.
The question arises, why is all this activity centered around Eid al-Adha? Is there no need for such check-posts on other days? Does the terror unleashed by ‘cow terrorists’ in the name of cow protection continue with the police’s tacit approval? Even after these check-posts were established, ‘cow terrorists’ in Hyderabad continued their activities, details of which follow below. So why does this persist?
It is also worth noting that the Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) in Hyderabad has alleged that the Telangana Police are treating cattle traders harshly and arbitrarily. The organization claimed that, within a single week, bulls worth approximately ₹1 crore belonging to Muslim traders were illegally seized by various police stations. It also asked, “Is there any government ban on the transport or slaughter of bulls in Telangana? If not, on what grounds is action being taken against Muslim traders?”
Moreover, media reports begin to appear with headlines such as, “Tight security: Drones to monitor mosques and Eidgahs.” For instance, in Basti, Uttar Pradesh, the police announced that 414 mosques and 158 Eidgahs would be monitored using drones and CCTV cameras, while police teams would keep watch over sites designated for ritual animal sacrifice.
In some areas, authorities detain individuals or issue externment orders, banishing them from the district, to maintain law and order and prevent potential communal tensions. In Nagpur, for example, the city police issued temporary externment orders against individuals with criminal backgrounds. According to the police, the action was taken under Section 163(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The individuals targeted were suspected of potentially inciting communal tension through activities such as the illegal transport of restricted cattle and the sale of banned beef. Under these orders, they were barred from entering the limits of Nagpur city and Nagpur rural district from May 21, 2026, to May 31, 2026.
While the Muslim community generally views these police measures positively, the prevailing narrative often creates the impression that Muslims step out of their homes on Eid al-Adha not merely to offer prayers, but to disrupt the city’s peace. It is worth noting, however, that the police issue similar statements during Hindu festivals as well, yet the underlying implication often remains directed at the Muslim community.
Tensions flared in Jahangirabad, in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district, during Eid prayers following a dispute between the police and worshippers outside the Eidgah. According to reports, the Eid prayers were scheduled to begin at around 7:00 AM, and a large number of people were making their way to the Eidgah. However, locals complained that the police had set up barricades outside the Eidgah even before 7:00 AM. Former MLA Hoshiyar Singh alleged that the Circle Officer (CO) was acting arbitrarily and preventing people from offering prayers.
The case from Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, is particularly intriguing. On May 29, the day after Eid al-Adha, the police arrested five individuals. Three more people were arrested on May 30 and 31. These eight individuals were accused of conspiring to disrupt public order in the district during Bakrid. The police claimed that plans were being made to incite tension by arranging for the ritual slaughter of cattle.
According to the police, “This entire network was operating in an organized manner, and efforts were underway to mobilize funds and resources. Investigators uncovered several crucial leads. They had collected donations from certain individuals for the purpose of the sacrifice. An examination of mobile phones revealed that approximately ₹27,500 had been gathered from various people, with plans to use the money to purchase cattle. It also came to light that a deal had been struck with another individual to procure 48 head of cattle for ₹80,000.”
It is worth considering how anyone could purchase 48 head of cattle for ₹80,000, meaning a single animal for roughly ₹1,700 (18 USD). Nevertheless, among the eight detained individuals, Mohammad Hamid was identified as the alleged mastermind. Action was taken against him under the National Security Act (NSA), and he was sent to Jabalpur Central Jail on June 16, 2026. The remaining seven accused were jailed under the provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Act and charges related to disturbing communal harmony.
It is noteworthy that while the NSA was invoked in connection with the alleged sacrifice during Bakrid, the Allahabad High Court, just two days earlier on May 26, had quashed an order detaining a man under the NSA over allegations of cow slaughter. The court observed that the government’s action was not legally justified, as the alleged incident did not take place in a public space and did not affect communal harmony or law and order.
Notably, in April of the previous year, the police in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, arrested a man named Isham on charges of slaughtering a cow inside his home. Cow slaughter is legally prohibited in Uttar Pradesh, and the court acknowledged that fact. However, it also noted that the alleged incident occurred within a private home, not in a public place. Yet, around the time of Eid al-Adha, the police invoked the NSA even against individuals who had not slaughtered a cow, alleging instead that a conspiracy to sacrifice cattle was being planned.
A Platform for Hate Politics
Well before Eid al-Adha, the social media accounts of Hindutva organizations across India became highly active. They viewed the festival as an opportunity they did not want to miss. A stream of videos and reels appeared on social media, showing members of these organizations issuing warnings to Muslims, conducting so-called “raids,” and searching vehicles late at night. They claimed their actions were aimed at preventing Muslims from sacrificing cows.
However, there is little evidence to suggest that Muslims were sacrificing cows during Bakrid. Despite this, these groups repeatedly claimed they would not allow cow slaughter to take place. The issue was not limited to the act of sacrifice alone. They also used speeches and public actions to spread hatred whenever the opportunity arose.
In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, activists from the VHP and Bajrang Dal staged a protest on May 23, ahead of Eid al-Adha, and submitted a memorandum to the District Collector’s office. They demanded a ban on cow smuggling and cow slaughter. During the protest, some participants chanted the slogan: “Chop off the hands of those who slaughter cows.”
Speaking at a “Shaurya Training Camp” organized by the VHP and Durga Vahini in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, on May 21, VHP General Secretary Surendra Jain stated that offering namaz in public places is more a means of displaying strength than an act of worship. Describing this as a form of “terrorism,” he asserted that such “anti-national” activities would not be tolerated. Referring to Bakrid, he alleged that cows are slaughtered specifically to provoke Hindus. He declared that the VHP and Bajrang Dal would not allow this to happen, warning that if those involved in cow slaughter do not understand the “language of the law,” they would be addressed in a “different language.”
Amid this, hateful statements from political leaders also began to surface. On May 24, at a large Hindu gathering organized by the ‘Sakal Hindu Samaj’ in Neral, Raigad district (Maharashtra), BJP MLA and Maharashtra’s Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane mocked Muslims in relation to Bakrid. Rane also suggested that Bakrid should be celebrated virtually by displaying a photo of a goat on a computer.
During a Shrimad Bhagwat Katha held on May 21 in the Sodala area of Jaipur, Rajasthan, BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya contrasted Sanatan traditions with those of “people of other faiths” (vidharmis). He stated that Hindus do not harm even an ant, whereas “people of other faiths” sacrifice animals during festivals. His remarks were made in the context of the upcoming Eid al-Adha, and he described the nature of such individuals as “demonic.”
Rajkumar Chahar, the BJP MP from Fatehpur Sikri, stated that if people can sleep in shifts, they can also offer namaz in shifts. Citing the example of Chandni Chowk, the MP noted that in many households, 30 to 40 people live in spaces meant for five and sleep in shifts. He appealed to the Muslim community to similarly adopt a shift system for offering namaz.
A tense situation arose in Pune on April 26, 2026, when several pro-Hindutva organizations staged a protest near Sarasbaug. The protesters expressed concern over large crowds gathering in the area and demanded the imposition of certain restrictions ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Adha. The organizations also called for a ban on large gatherings in the area during the festival. The organizers stated that if their concerns were not addressed, they might launch a larger democratic movement in the future.
The situation in Karnataka’s Hassan district became extremely tense after local Muslim organizations announced a boycott on purchasing livestock for Bakrid. This decision sparked anger among livestock rearers and dairy farmers. Frustrated by the absence of buyers at the weekly livestock fair, hundreds of farmers staged a protest and threatened to march directly to the Deputy Commissioner’s office with their cattle.
The reason behind the Muslim organizations’ decision was also alarming. Their representative, Anshad-e-Palya, stated that intimidating posters had been put up in several Muslim-majority areas, threatening the confiscation of homes and land if livestock were purchased. The police and administration denied having put up any such posters. Banners displayed in Hassan city had warned of the “permanent confiscation of all assets” in the event of animal slaughter.
While these Hindutva leaders took issue with the ritual sacrifice of animals during Eid al-Adha, not a single word was spoken after the recent discovery of hundreds of cow carcasses in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. A similar incident had occurred a few years ago in Chhattisgarh, where a large number of cows died of starvation; yet in such cases, their sentiments appear to remain unaffected.
The media, too, made no effort to avoid fueling tensions, often using Eid al-Adha as a pretext. During our research, we found that some media websites had published reports claiming the discovery of beef before Eid al-Adha, only to delete those stories after the festival had passed. The reason behind such actions remains unclear. There were also coordinated attempts to disturb the atmosphere on social media by circulating old videos.
PETA India created a goat-like robot named “Awaaz.” Its objective was to encourage people to give up animal-based foods and adopt a vegan diet. According to PETA, this robot—which resembles a real goat—interacts with passersby, especially children and students, in both Hindi and English. It asks them questions such as, “Do you consider me a friend or food?” PETA India stated that “Awaaz” would visit colleges and prominent locations in cities across the country to interact with people and encourage them to choose food that does not involve the killing of animals. Notably, PETA India appears to carry out such campaigns mainly around the time of Eid al-Adha; similar initiatives are not seen during other festivals, and certainly not during Holi.
Targeting through government directives
State governments in UP, Delhi, MP, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and West Bengal issued strict guidelines for Bakrid. These guidelines prohibited public animal sacrifices, the use of drains for disposing of blood, and offering prayers on public roads. Maharashtra strictly enforced rules under the ‘Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act,’ which bans the slaughter of cows, bulls, and calves. Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat continued to implement some of the country’s strictest ‘anti-cow slaughter laws,’ which include provisions for life imprisonment in certain cases. Assam enforced rules under the ‘Assam Cattle Preservation Act,’ while Karnataka reiterated the regulations established under its strict 2020 ‘anti-cattle slaughter law.’
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government issued an order stating that individuals found transporting cattle without necessary documentation could face action similar to that taken against organized criminals under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA). Maharashtra’s Revenue Minister and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule warned that cow slaughter would not be permitted in the state, stating that MCOCA would be invoked against anyone violating this rule.
The Assam government also claimed to have intensified action against cattle theft, smuggling, and the illegal beef trade. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy. According to the Chief Minister, the Assam Police registered 425 cases related to cattle theft and smuggling between January 1 and May 19, 2026. During these operations, the police recovered 4,355 cattle linked to alleged theft and smuggling networks active across various districts of the state.
The Assam Chief Minister advised Muslims to perform the sacrifice in a “proper manner.” He appreciated voices within the Muslim community that had appealed against the sacrifice of cows. Himanta Biswa Sarma went so far as to say that Bakrid should eventually be made completely free of animal sacrifice. According to him, Muslims are respecting “Sanatan sentiments,” which will help maintain peace in society.
In Delhi, BJP leaders warned that both the sacrifice and the prayers must be conducted “within limits” and in accordance with established rules.
In West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari stated that no one would be permitted to offer prayers on the streets. However, the very street in Kolkata where the government objected to Muslims offering Eid prayers, a process that takes no more than half an hour, was kept closed on the morning of June 21 for the celebration of International Yoga Day.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami adopted a strict stance against offering prayers on public roads. He stated that offering prayers on the streets would not be permitted in the state and warned that strict action would be taken against those who obstruct traffic or disrupt law and order.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had already issued a directive prior to Eid al-Adha prohibiting prayers on the streets. He even threatened, “If you want to offer prayers, do it in shifts… If you agree amicably, fine; if not, we will adopt a different approach…” Later, while defending his government’s policy, he stated that public spaces cannot be obstructed in the name of religious activities and that the law applies equally to everyone. Every citizen of the country is well aware of how the law regarding the use of roads is applied equally to all.
Attempts to Curtail the Eid al-Adha Holiday
The newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal reduced the government holiday for Eid al-Adha from two days to one. Before the change in government, the state’s holiday calendar for 2026 had designated two days off for Bakrid.
While Eid al-Adha is officially a national holiday, the Ghaziabad-based Sunder Deep Group of Institutions (SDGI) Global University scheduled practical examinations for first-year pharmacy students on the first day of Bakrid, June 28. The exam was set from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This was not the only university to do so; several others also scheduled annual examinations on the day of Bakrid. Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University (MJPRU) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, scheduled a law theory exam from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM that day. Similarly, Gujarat University in Ahmedabad scheduled an English language exam during Bakrid.
Students from Delhi University (DU) have approached the Delhi High Court to challenge the university’s decision to hold an examination on June 28, the day of Bakrid (Eid al-Adha). The students allege that their repeated requests to reschedule the exam were ignored.
This decision has caused concern among Muslim students at the university, particularly those in the Faculty of Law. They state that holding an exam on an important religious festival makes it difficult for them to balance their academic and religious commitments.
During the hearing at the Delhi High Court, DU clarified that students wishing to celebrate the festival would be allowed to skip the exam, and a special examination would be conducted for them after July 4.
Slaughtering ‘Mother’ to Defame Muslims
While the cow is revered as ‘Mother’ by followers of the Hindu faith, some are capable of slaughtering this very ‘Mother’ just to defame Muslims. An incident that occurred on June 18, 2026, in Changipur village, under the jurisdiction of the Noorpur police station in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, clearly illustrates how a plot to slaughter a cow was allegedly hatched to vitiate the communal atmosphere and frame a Muslim man in a false case. According to the police, the prime accused in this conspiracy was Jagpal, the village head (Pradhan) of Changipur. Shockingly, preparations for a protest against the alleged cow slaughter had already been made in advance, with members of various local Hindu organizations mobilized for the purpose.
Furthermore, on June 23, a local resident named Aichon Chandra Das was arrested in Hojai, Assam. He was accused of calling a Muslim man named Riyazuddin to ask for a cow’s head, intending to place it inside a temple. Riyaz recorded the conversation and, along with members of the ‘All Assam Minority Students Union’ (AAMSU), handed it over to the police, leading to Das’s arrest. This gives an idea of the lengths to which members of Hindutva organizations may go.
Similar attempts were also reported during Eid al-Adha. In Bhilwara, Rajasthan, news spread quickly on the night of May 24, ahead of Eid al-Adha, that the carcass of an animal had been found outside a temple in Shastri Nagar. Upon learning of the incident, office-bearers from various Hindu organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, along with a large number of locals, gathered at the site. They blocked the road and staged a sit-in protest outside the temple. The matter soon took on a distinctly communal tone. However, when the police examined CCTV footage from nearby cameras, it was revealed that the act had been committed by two youths named Lokesh Khatik and Hemant Koli, who were Hindus, not Muslims.
Similarly, in the Brahmin Gali area of Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, a locality predominantly inhabited by the Brahmin community, the discovery of meat in a garbage pile on Eid al-Adha sparked anger and concern among locals. Some individuals attempted to inflame tensions over the incident, but prompt police action prevented the situation from escalating. Upon reviewing CCTV footage, police observed a woman wearing a burqa discarding meat near the garbage pile. However, the subsequent investigation revealed that the woman seen in the footage was not Muslim but Hindu; during questioning, she identified herself as Swati Vikram Bhosale.
You can also view a list of similar incidents below. Furthermore, regarding incidents that occurred before or after Eid al-Adha, an honest investigation would likely reveal a very different reality.
Just as in 2023, 2024, and 2025, I have attempted here to document certain incidents that took place across the country before, during, and after Eid al-Adha this year. These accounts are based entirely on reports from various credible websites. It is important to note that numerous videos, both old and new, circulated on social media (particularly Instagram) this year, raising questions about animal sacrifice during Eid al-Adha. Many of these posts appeared intended to disrupt communal harmony. I have deliberately excluded such social media content from this compilation, as verifying its authenticity has become extremely difficult in the age of artificial intelligence.
Just before Eid al-Adha
— Aurangabad (Bihar): Authorities seized 46 cattle intended for sacrifice ahead of Eid al-Adha. Police said the action was taken to prevent illegal transportation and enforce the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The animals were later sent to local gaushalas (cow shelters).
— Bhilwara (Rajasthan): On the night of May 24, ahead of Eid al-Adha, reports emerged that remains of an animal had been found outside a temple in Shastri Nagar. After learning of the incident, representatives of several Hindu organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, along with a large number of locals, gathered at the site. They blocked the road and held a sit-in protest outside the temple. Tensions at the scene escalated. However, when police reviewed CCTV footage from nearby cameras, they found that the act had been carried out by two youths, Lokesh Khatik and Hemant Koli, both of whom are Hindu. Following the investigation, police said the incident was not a deliberate act of mischief but an accident. According to police, Lokesh Khatik works in the business of buying and selling animal hides. On Sunday night, he and his associate Hemant were transporting hides in a sack on a scooter from the Kanvakheda area. During the journey, the sack reportedly remained open, and two hides fell onto the road in front of the Baba Ramdev temple, leading to the misunderstanding.
— Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Maharashtra): On May 27, a day before Eid al-Adha, members of the Pranian Foundation, along with police personnel, seized animals from the homes of several Muslims. They alleged that the animals were being taken for slaughter in connection with Eid al-Adha.
— Dehradun (Uttarakhand): On May 27, a day before Eid al-Adha, animal rights activist Puja Bahukhandi intercepted two buffaloes that were being transported for ritual slaughter. She alleged that Muslim men who opposed her intervention were challenging her religious beliefs. She later called in members of Hindu nationalist organizations, including Radha Semwal Dhoni, a leader associated with Sanatan culture. Supporters of her group arrived at the scene, leading to a disturbance. It is important to note that buffalo slaughter is not prohibited in India.
— Fatehpur (Uttar Pradesh): Ahead of Eid al-Adha, police detained two Muslim youths for allegedly posting a WhatsApp status that included an image of a cow. The incident took place under the jurisdiction of the Lalauli police station. Officials said the action was taken on concerns that the post could disturb communal harmony ahead of the festival.
— Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh): On May 24, ahead of Eid al-Adha, BJP MLA Nand Kishore Gurjar directed police officials not to allow any meat shops to operate in the area. He also warned members of the Muslim community, stating, “Those who wish to sacrifice goats on Bakrid should go outside the city to do so.”
— Hyderabad (Telangana): On the night of May 11, ahead of Eid al-Adha, a tense atmosphere was reported in parts of Hyderabad after activists associated with Bajrang Dal intercepted vehicles transporting oxen near the Chaitanyapuri Metro Station and questioned the drivers on the road. There is no legal ban in Telangana on the transportation of oxen or the sacrifice of animals for Bakrid. Representatives of Muslim organizations expressed concern that such incidents tend to increase ahead of the festival, creating a sense of insecurity among Muslim families preparing for Eid al-Adha.
— Hyderabad (Telangana): Before Eid al-Adha, around midnight on May 16, a group of ‘cow terrorists’ stopped a truck in Gudimalkapur. Although the truck was reportedly carrying only plywood sheets, the group allegedly vandalized the vehicle and pelted it with stones. At least three people, including the truck driver, Rasool Shaikh, his brother, and a police officer, were injured in the incident. Police registered a case against five individuals on charges including attempted murder, unlawful assembly, rioting, assault on a public servant, causing hurt, and obstructing a public road.
— Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): Late on May 27, a day before Eid al-Adha, reports emerged that the severed head and other remains of a bovine animal had been found in the Katanga area under the jurisdiction of the Cantt police station. The incident triggered tensions in the locality as news spread. Activists associated with the Hindu Dharma Sena gathered at the scene and staged a protest. Police took custody of the animal remains and sent them for a post-mortem examination as part of their investigation into the incident.
— Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh): Ahead of Eid al-Adha, tensions arose in the Malihabad area after Hindu organizations announced plans to hold a Sunderkand recitation at the old fort in Kasmandi Kala. In response, the district administration prohibited Eid al-Adha prayers and Friday congregational prayers at the site, stating that the restrictions were imposed as a precautionary measure to prevent communal unrest. The site is claimed by Hindu organizations to be the historic fort of the 11th-century Nagvanshi ruler Maharaja Kansa Pasi and the location of an ancient Shiva temple. Members of the Muslim community, however, maintain that it is a centuries-old mosque and mazar (shrine) that has long been used for religious worship.
— Mumbai (Maharashtra): On May 26, ahead of Eid al-Adha, the administration removed a temporary shed that had been erected for Bakrid at Poonam Cluster Society in Mira Road following complaints from Hindutva organizations. According to reports, some residents later attempted to rebuild the structure during the night, leading to a heated argument and a scuffle. In response, supporters of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal gathered outside the society. They described the activity as “Bakra Jihad” allegedly being carried out by Muslims. The group recited the Hanuman Chalisa and also brought a piglet to the site, saying it was for “Varaha Puja.” They claimed the act was intended as a counter to the goats brought for sacrifice during Eid al-Adha.
— Mumbai (Maharashtra): Ahead of Eid al-Adha, permission had been granted for ritual animal sacrifice (qurbani) within the Satellite Garden Society complex in the Gokuldham area of Goregaon, Mumbai. However, the permission was later revoked following objections from individuals associated with Hindutva organizations. The administration subsequently directed that the sacrifice could be carried out only at an authorized slaughterhouse outside the residential complex. The dispute escalated when representatives of both sides confronted each other in front of the media, leading to a heated exchange. Police intervened to bring the situation under control.
— Mumbai (Maharashtra): Ahead of Eid al-Adha, a dispute arose at Sagar Park Housing Society in Ghatkopar West after some residents brought goats into the residential complex. Police arrived at the scene, brought the situation under control, and arranged for the goats to be removed from the premises.
— Mumbai (Maharashtra): Ahead of Eid al-Adha, Muslim families in Azad Nagar Society in Dindoshi erected a temporary shed to house goats for Bakrid. Some local residents objected to the structure, after which local BJP corporator Priti Satam visited the site and called for its removal. As the dispute escalated, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) ordered the shed to be dismantled, despite the fact that permission for ritual animal sacrifice during Eid al-Adha had previously been granted.
— Mumbai (Maharashtra): According to reports, Muslim residents of Sumer Nagar Society in Borivali, Mumbai, brought six goats into the housing complex ahead of Eid al-Adha. The move was opposed by some residents associated with Hindutva ideology, leading to a dispute within the society.
— Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh): On the night of Eid al-Adha (May 27, 2026), in a Muslim-majority area under the jurisdiction of the Budhana police station, some youths riding motorcycles allegedly chanted “Jai Shri Ram,” leading to concerns about communal tensions. According to police, an investigation into a viral video identified three youths, Vijay, Mani, and Vansh. Police said action was taken against them because the incident had the potential to disrupt peace and escalate tensions in the area.
— Sonitpur (Assam): Ahead of Eid al-Adha, on May 22, two people were allegedly beaten to death by a mob in the Bhalukpung area on suspicion of cattle theft. A third person sustained critical injuries in the incident.
— Srinagar (Kashmir): For the eighth consecutive year, authorities did not grant permission for congregational Eid al-Adha prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar and Eidgah Srinagar. Amid tightened security arrangements, Kashmiri religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was also placed under house arrest.
— Vadodara (Gujarat): On May 21, ahead of Eid al-Adha, ‘cow terrorists’ associated with the Hindu Dharma Sena intercepted five trucks transporting goats for the festival. It is alleged that the truck drivers were assaulted during the incident. Tensions escalated when the these ‘terrorists’ attempted to take the trucks to a gaushala (cow shelter). Workers of AIMIM later arrived at the scene and opposed the move, resulting in a commotion.
— Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): The goat market at Beniyabag Park, which was set up ahead of Eid al-Adha, was shut down shortly before the festival. According to local residents, the market had been operating for around three decades but was not allowed to function this year. The Municipal Commissioner stated that the area falls within a two-kilometer radius of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex, and the decision to close the market was taken in view of that proximity. Reports also said that while permission had initially been granted for the market to operate from May 18 to May 27, the Smart City administration cancelled the allotment on May 23.
During the three days of Eid al-Adha
— Agra (Uttar Pradesh): On May 28, the first day of Eid al-Adha, the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha held a protest over Eid al-Adha prayers at the mosque within the Taj Mahal complex. Police intervened promptly and prevented the situation from escalating.
— Ahmednagar (Maharashtra): On the day of Eid al-Adha, the discovery of meat in a garbage heap in the Brahmin Gali area, which is predominantly inhabited by members of the Brahmin community, led to concern among local residents. Some individuals attempted to raise tensions over the incident, but prompt police action helped prevent escalation. Police, after reviewing CCTV footage from the area, noted that a woman wearing a burqa was seen discarding meat near the garbage pile. During the investigation, she was identified as Swati Vikram Bhosale.
— Amroha (Uttar Pradesh): On the first day of Eid al-Adha, a piece of meat was found on the steps of the pond within the premises of the Shri Vasudev Temple in the city. The following day, an animal horn was discovered hanging from a tree in the temple park. The incidents led to protests and concern among activists from the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, creating tension in the area. Police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. Hindutva activists have warned that they may launch a larger protest if action is not taken against those responsible.
— Ballari (Karnataka): Tension increased on the third day of Eid al-Adha after the severed heads of two cows were found by the roadside near the 9th Cross of Kappagallu Road. Following the discovery, BJP workers, members of Hindu organizations, and local residents staged a protest, blocking the road and holding a sit-in at the site. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team later arrived, inspected the scene, and collected evidence and other materials for investigation.
— Bhagalpur (Bihar): On the day of Eid al-Adha, a tense situation was reported in Radhanagar village, under the jurisdiction of the Sajaur police station in Shahkund block, after individuals were seen passing in front of a temple with allegedly objectionable material. According to reports, the dispute began late on May 27 when a group was transporting the material in a pickup truck. Residents of Dakshin Tola intercepted the vehicle, which led to tensions in the area.
— Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): On the first day of Eid al-Adha, a rumor spread in Dharmara village that a cow had been slaughtered and consumed. The claim led to tensions in the area, with some villagers gathering on the streets carrying sticks. Police reached the scene after being informed and worked to bring the situation under control. During the subsequent investigation, the police clarified that the report of cow slaughter was entirely baseless.
— Bijnor (Uttar Pradesh): A case has been registered against 40 individuals for offering prayers on a public road outside an Eidgah on the Mahmoodpur route on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, with 15 of them named in the FIR. Police said the action was taken for the alleged violation of government restrictions and directives against offering prayers on public roads.
— Dhandbad (Jharkhand): On the second day of Eid al-Adha, reports emerged of the discovery of prohibited meat in Mohanad village in the Tundi area. Following the report, a crowd gathered at the site, and tensions developed in the surrounding areas. Stones were also reportedly thrown at police. According to officials, the meat was seized from the scene, and three individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.
— Fatehpur (Uttar Pradesh): A commotion broke out on the second day of Eid al-Adha after reports that a goat’s head had been found in the kitchen of the Hanuman temple complex at Chowk Bazaar in the city. Traders and office-bearers of Hindu organizations shut down the market for nearly three hours and raised slogans. Police later reviewed CCTV footage, which showed a dog carrying a goat’s head toward the temple complex. The situation calmed after the footage was made public. The temple area was subsequently cleaned, and traders recited the Hanuman Chalisa on the road outside the temple.
— Haridwar (Uttarakhand): On the first day of Eid al-Adha, the severed head of a bovine animal was allegedly found along a major highway in the Bhagwanpur area. The report quickly spread in the locality. Activists from several Hindu organizations, including the Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, gathered in large numbers, leading to heightened tension in Bhagwanpur and nearby areas. According to reports, police sent the remains for forensic examination and post-mortem analysis. An FIR has been registered against unidentified persons for allegedly inciting religious sentiments and violating the anti-cow slaughter law. Police are reviewing CCTV footage and questioning individuals as part of the investigation to identify those involved.
— Indore (Madhya Pradesh): On the second day of Eid al-Adha, reports emerged of the alleged slaughter of cattle in an illegal enclosure in the Banda Basti area under the jurisdiction of the Mhow Kotwali police station. Following the information, Bajrang Dal activists and a police team reached the site. The situation reportedly turned tense, and stones were thrown at police personnel, prompting the deployment of additional forces to restore order. Bajrang Dal activists also demanded strict action, including demolition of the accused persons’ houses. In connection with the case, police have invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against two individuals, while a case has been registered against four others. Officials also said provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Cow Slaughter Prohibition Act and the Arms Act have been applied in the investigation.
— Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh): A local youth organization, the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organization (APIYO), called for a 24-hour shutdown on the day of Eid al-Adha, stating it was a protest against alleged “illegal immigrants.” Citing Supreme Court rulings, the local administration declared the shutdown illegal under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Despite this, the shutdown led to disruptions, with many Muslim families performing Eid prayers and observances indoors. Reports also said that several Muslims traveling from other parts of the state and neighboring Assam were unable to celebrate the festival in the usual manner.
— Jahangirpuri (Delhi): On the night of May 28, the first day of Eid al-Adha, 26-year-old Arbaz was allegedly stabbed to death following a dispute over a cigarette. According to media reports, he worked at a local jewellery shop. He was standing near his home when a group of youths confronted him. What began as a minor argument reportedly escalated into violence, and he was allegedly attacked with knives, sustaining multiple injuries. He was taken to Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital in critical condition but later died during treatment.
— Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh): A disturbance was reported at midnight on the second day of Eid al-Adha in Sinhada village, near the city, after the severed head and meat of an animal were found in three sacks placed outside a house. Activists from Hindutva organizations alleged that the remains belonged to a cow. Police have registered a case against eight named individuals, four of whom have been taken into custody, while a search is underway for the remaining accused. Samples of the meat have been sent for forensic examination.
— Meerut (Uttar Pradesh): On the first day of Eid al-Adha, members of Hindu organizations raised objections and created a disturbance, alleging that a goat had been sacrificed and the meat cooked at the Durga temple located within the Nauchandi Mela complex. However, a police investigation found the claim of sacrifice to be baseless. Despite this, a ride operator was taken into custody on allegations that he had brought meat from outside and was preparing to cook it.
— Meerut (Uttar Pradesh): On the first day of Eid al-Adha, after Eid prayers, a YouTuber was reportedly questioning people returning from the prayer area, allegedly attempting to elicit provocative responses for a viral video. During this interaction, he met a 70-year-old man who referred to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as a “goon.” A young man present at the scene immediately objected, saying the remark was inappropriate and referring to the Chief Minister respectfully. Following the video’s circulation, police detained the elderly man and registered a case against him under relevant legal provisions. After his arrest, a separate video surfaced on social media showing the man apologizing while being escorted by police outside the Railway Road police station.
— Meerut (Uttar Pradesh): On May 29, the second day of Eid al-Adha, Puneet reported to the police assistance booth in Mavi-Meera village under the Daurala police station area that a bag containing meat had been found outside his house. Police reached the spot and began an investigation. As the information spread, a crowd gathered in the village, leading to brief tension in the area. Police subsequently reviewed CCTV footage from nearby locations. The investigation found that a 12-year-old boy, Mayank, was seen cycling with a sack containing packets of meat. According to police, one packet of spoiled meat accidentally fell from his bicycle while he was turning a corner, and he continued on without noticing. Further inquiry indicated that Puneet had picked up the packet from the road and placed it outside his house before contacting the police to report that a bag of meat had been dumped there.
— Panipat (Haryana): A boy named Junaid was reportedly heading towards Chhoti Masjid with his friends when a group of youths, said to have emerged from a shop and arrived on a motorcycle, allegedly attacked them. It is alleged that Junaid was stabbed in the back, while the other youths sustained injuries to the stomach. One of the injured boys stated that one of the accused is named Sunil, while the remaining attackers are unidentified. Police said the incident is not linked to Eid and appears to be related to an old rivalry, though it led to tension in the area.
— Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh): A man named Nafees carried out the ritual sacrifice of a goat in KGN Colony. A video of the incident was recorded and circulated on social media, after which it went viral. Following this, organizations aligned with Hindutva ideology raised objections, alleging that goats were being openly sacrificed without permission at the premises of a temporary Samajwadi Party office. The Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha submitted a complaint to the District Magistrate and police, demanding action. Based on a complaint filed by the in-charge of the Civil Lines police outpost, Kotwali police registered an FIR against a Samajwadi Party leader under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Nafees, however, has denied the allegations, stating that the sacrifice took place on a separate property he owns, which he uses for parking vehicles and storing scrap material. He maintains that the location is not a Samajwadi Party office, though he occasionally holds meetings there with party workers.
— Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh): The atmosphere in the city turned tense after reports emerged on the first day of Eid al-Adha that a severed cow head had been found. Activists from a Hindutva organization placed the remains on the road and staged a blockade for nearly five hours.
—Rudrapur (Uttarakhand): On the second day of Eid al-Adha, tensions were reported in Bhootbangla Ward No. 20 over allegations of hurting religious sentiments. Members of the Valmiki community accused an individual of throwing the remains of a sacrificed goat in front of a temple gate and of using abusive language and issuing death threats when confronted. Police registered a case based on the complaint and arrested the accused. The accused was identified as a constable with the Uttarakhand Police.
— Seoni (Madhya Pradesh): On May 29, the second day of Eid al-Adha, police arrested five individuals. Three more arrests were made on May 30 and 31, bringing the total to eight. The accused were allegedly involved in a plan to disturb public order in the district during the festival. According to police, the group was suspected of attempting to incite communal tension through arrangements related to the ritual slaughter of cattle. Authorities said the network was operating in an organized manner and that efforts were underway to mobilize funds and resources. They added that the investigation had uncovered several leads, including alleged donations collected from individuals for the purpose of the sacrifice. Police further stated that analysis of mobile phones indicated that around ₹27,500 had been collected from various people, which was intended to be used to purchase cattle. They also said evidence suggested a deal had been made to procure 48 head of cattle for ₹80,000. Among the eight accused, Mohammad Hamid was identified by police as the alleged mastermind. He was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and sent to Jabalpur Central Jail on June 16, 2026. The remaining seven accused were remanded to jail under provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Act and charges related to disturbing communal harmony.
— Thane (Maharashtra): Members of Hindu organizations, along with activists from both the Shinde and Uddhav factions of the Shiv Sena, staged a “bell-ringing protest” against the administration’s decision to allow Eid al-Adha prayers at the Idgah near the historic Durgadi Fort in Kalyan, while temporarily restricting Hindu devotees from entering the temple located inside the fort during the Eid al-Adha prayers. According to reports, as Eid al-Adha prayers began inside the fort, some groups present at the site raised slogans. In response, Hindu devotees and activists who had been stopped at barricades outside the fort sat on the ground and recited the Hanuman Chalisa loudly.
— Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): On May 28, the first day of Eid al-Adha, tensions were reported after a piece of meat was found outside the house of a Hindu family in the Gandhinagar area. Following the incident, locals gathered at the spot and demanded action. Police reached the area, brought the situation under control, and reviewed CCTV footage from nearby cameras. After the initial investigation, officials said there was no concrete evidence to suggest that the meat had been deliberately placed there to disturb communal harmony. Police also noted that, based on preliminary assessment, the possibility that the meat may have been carried to the location by a bird or animal could not be ruled out.
After Eid al-Adha
— Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh): On the morning of June 2, reports emerged that the remains of three protected animals had been found in a canal near the Greenfield Expressway in Kurana village. The news led to anger among local residents. Police and a team from the Veterinary Department reached the spot soon after receiving the information. After collecting samples for examination, the remaining remains were buried in a pit by the authorities.
— Goalpara (Assam): According to allegations, on June 5, a student from a government higher secondary school reportedly brought beef in his lunchbox and allegedly attempted to share it with two Hindu classmates. A minor student was detained in connection with the incident, and his mother was also arrested. Police said a case has been registered against both under charges related to hurting religious sentiments, based on a complaint filed by the parents of the two Hindu students. However, questions have also been raised regarding the allegations.
— Thane (Maharashtra): Even after Eid al-Adha, tensions persisted in Poonam Cluster Society in Mira Road, with a sense of unease still reported among some Muslim residents. In this context, a resident wrote in an article that the Poonam Estate Cluster Management Committee, comprising 12 non-Muslim and 5 Muslim members, had granted formal written approval on May 28 this year for the construction of a temporary goat shed for Eid al-Adha, along with certain conditions. The approval, he noted, was a collective decision of the committee. Despite this, members of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad allegedly gathered outside the society gate within a few days. The resident said he informed the police about the growing crowd inside the society in the evening, but was told that people were allowed to stand on the road. He further alleged that instead of dispersing the gathering, it was allowed to grow into an organized protest. The committee issued a clarification on June 10, 2026, but according to the account, no action was taken against those who escalated the matter and involved other organizations, including Bajrang Dal. The resident also claimed that on June 14, 2026, a non-Muslim resident shared a photo of a Muslim child wearing a cap in the society’s WhatsApp group of 348 members, which further added to concerns among residents.
Here is another story…
Consider the large-heartedness of the Muslim community in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. Whenever Bakrid coincides with the Hindu festival of Ekadashi, the community here voluntarily postpones the ritual sacrifice of goats—a practice followed this year as well. The Muslim community of Pandharpur decided not to perform the sacrifice on the first day of Bakrid as it clashed with Ekadashi according to the Hindu calendar.
A similar example was seen in Govardhan, Mathura. There, the Muslim community chose not to perform the sacrifice in order to respect the sanctity of the holy town and maintain social harmony. Additionally, prayers were offered during Eid al-Adha for the country’s peace and prosperity.
Despite this, it is not just about Eid al-Adha, in some places, the situation has reached a point where a Muslim cannot even keep a goat in their own home. This is illustrated by an incident in the Shalimar Garden area of Ghaziabad. In February, a Muslim family in Vikram Enclave brought a goat into their home. News of the goat quickly spread, and objections were raised. Those protesting claimed the goat had been brought for sacrifice and that it could disturb the religious atmosphere.
