Tension gripped Maharashtra’s Mira Road area on Tuesday after a dispute linked to Eid-ul-Adha preparations escalated into clashes between two communities, forcing police to intervene and carry out a lathi charge to bring the situation under control.
The incident took place near Poonam Cluster Society, where a temporary shed had reportedly been built to keep goats ahead of Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid). According to local sources, members of the Muslim community had arranged the structure to house sacrificial animals before the festival.
Temporary Goat Shed Removed After Objections
The issue reportedly began when some Hindu organisations and local residents objected to the presence of goats inside the residential complex. Following complaints, municipal officials allegedly removed the temporary structure built for the animals.
However, the controversy did not end there. The atmosphere became more tense after activists allegedly linked to Sakal Hindu Samaj and Bajrang Dal reached the area to protest against goats being kept inside the society premises.
Protest Intensifies After Pig Brought Near Society
The situation worsened when some protesters allegedly arrived near the site carrying a pig. Videos circulating on social media showed people arguing that if goats were allowed in the housing complex for Eid preparations, then bringing pigs should also not be opposed.
The act further increased tensions between the two communities and led to heated arguments near the society premises. Residents nearby reported panic as slogans were raised and crowds gathered despite heavy police deployment.
Police Resort to Lathi Charge to Control Crowd
As the crowd continued to grow and confrontations intensified, police officers stepped in to stop the protesters from moving ahead. According to reports, arguments between the groups soon turned into pushing and scuffles.
To prevent the situation from spiralling further, police resorted to lathi charge in some places to disperse the crowd and restore order. A widely shared video also showed a Maharashtra Police personnel carrying a pig away from the protest site in an apparent attempt to calm tensions.
Heavy Police Deployment, Situation Under Watch
Police officials said the situation is currently under control, though tension remains in sensitive areas of Mira Road, especially around Poonam Cluster Society and nearby Bakra Mandi areas.
Senior officers appealed to residents not to believe rumours or share inflammatory content online. Authorities said videos from the incident are being reviewed and further action will be taken based on the investigation.
Eid-Related Disputes Reported in Several Places
The Mira Road incident comes amid growing disputes in different parts of the country over Eid-related arrangements, including transportation of sacrificial animals, temporary sheds, local markets and animal sacrifice practices.
