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Bajrang Dal Members Storm Meat Shop in Maharashtra’s Akola, Claim Beef Sale; Police Deny Violence, Tension Persists

beef mutton
Photo: Unsplash

Tension broke out in Baizpur area of Maharashtra’s Akola city on Friday after members of the Bajrang Dal raided a local meat shop, claiming that beef was being sold there. The situation escalated when local Muslim residents confronted the group, accusing them of taking the law into their own hands.

According to eyewitnesses, the Bajrang Dal members “stormed” into the shop without any police authority and began accusing the shopkeeper of selling beef. “They started shouting slogans and abusing the shop owner,” said Mohammed Salim, a local resident. “When we tried to stop them, they began provoking people. It looked planned.”

Soon, both groups started shouting slogans, and some reports suggested that stones were thrown. However, police denied that any major violence took place. “There was no physical clash,” said Police Inspector Rajesh Patil of Akola City Police Station. “A small crowd gathered, and some slogans were shouted. The situation was quickly brought under control.”

A few people were detained for questioning, which led to supporters of the BJP, Bajrang Dal, and Vishva Hindu Parishad gathering outside the police station, demanding their release. In response, Muslim youth also assembled nearby, raising slogans for justice and peace.

Local Congress MLA Sajid Khan Pathan reached the police station and met officials. “This is not the first time such an incident has happened in Akola,” he said. “Some groups are trying to divide people on religious lines. The police must take strict action against those spreading hatred.”

Meanwhile, BJP leaders defended the Bajrang Dal members, saying they acted “in the interest of protecting cows.”

By evening, police reinforcements were deployed in sensitive areas, including Baizpur and near the City Kotwali Police Station. “We have increased patrolling and stationed officers in key zones,” said a senior police officer. “The situation is under control.”

Despite the assurances, tension was visible across the city. Shops in Muslim-majority areas reportedly closed early as a precaution. “People are scared,” said Rashida Begum, a local schoolteacher. “Every few months, someone finds an excuse to disturb peace. It is always the poor Muslims who suffer.”

Akola has witnessed similar incidents before. A few months ago, a social media post had triggered violent protests, forcing police to use lathis to control the crowd. Several officers were injured during that unrest.

Police officials said they are keeping a close watch on the situation. “We know there are people who try to create trouble during festivals,” a spokesperson said. “Anyone trying to disturb communal harmony will be arrested.”

Local Muslim leaders said such repeated incidents are creating fear among the community. “Every festival, some fringe groups try to provoke Muslims,” said Imran Qureshi, a community worker. “Instead of stopping them, police often detain the victims. We demand an impartial investigation.”

He added that such “raids” by private groups are illegal. “Only authorised officers can check meat shops,” he said. “But groups like Bajrang Dal take the law into their own hands, attack people, and go free.”

By late night, the police said peace had been restored, though an uneasy calm remained. Extra forces have been stationed near sensitive areas, and movement is being closely monitored.

“We want to live peacefully,” said Shahid Ansari, a resident of Baizpur. “But peace cannot be one-sided. If hate groups are not stopped, how can harmony survive?”

The police have promised a full investigation and assured action against anyone found guilty of disturbing peace.

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