As crackdown of illegal slaughterhouses in Uttar Pradesh creates ripples among the community of butcher, recent unrest has been reported in Moradabad. In response to the ban, local meat sellers threw pieces of meat in the air, which allegedly landed on some passersby and also scattered on the road on Wednesday.
The incident took place near the Jama Masjid area. A meat seller Iqbal Ahmeb reportedly started throwing pieces of flesh in the air and was later joined with a dozen of others. This also invited objection as pieces of meat also fell on passerby.
“The group also raised provocative slogans as a mark of protest against government’s crack down against illegal slaughterhouses and meat shops,” said a police officer. People from both Hindu and Muslim community had gathered together at the spot resulting to clash. However, it was taken under control by the police and the government officials.
Circle Officer Poonam Mishra said: “Since there is a temple nearby, some people informed the police… A police team force rushed to the spot to find a group of over 70 to 80 people creating a ruckus. When asked why he was throwing meat in the air, Iqbal Ahmed said he was feeding birds. We have booked eight identified and 80 unidentified people on charges of rioting and promoting enmity between groups on ground of religion and also under Criminal Law Amendment Act and Animal Cruelty Act.”
“Iqbal had staged a demonstration outside Moradabad SSP office on Monday protesting against the closure of illegal meat shops… He had threatened to create tension if he was not allowed to run his illegal meat shop,” she added.
