The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revoked permission for goat slaughter in two residential complexes in Mumbai. This decision comes after significant protests from residents and interventions by local BJP leaders. Tensions initially escalated in Dindoshi’s Azad Nagar Apartment and Ghatkopar’s Sagar Park society, following a similar situation in Thane’s Poonam Cluster Housing complex where 40 to 50 goats had been brought for Bakrid sacrifices.

On Wednesday morning, residents of Azad Nagar Apartment began voicing their objections when a temporary goat shed was established by their Muslim neighbours. The situation intensified after local BJP corporator Priti Satam intervened, responding to multiple complaints, and insisted that the shed be removed.

In light of the ongoing unrest, the BMC issued a notification instructing the residents to dismantle the temporary structure. They were advised to transfer the sacrifice activities to a nearby mutton shop, a directive that has generated discontent among many community members.

Community Reactions and BMC’s Justification

Several residents noted that BMC officials had previously inspected the site and granted approval for the goats’ slaughter during Eid al-Adha. With the sudden cancellation, many are now struggling to find alternative locations for the sacrifices, particularly as local slaughterhouses are reportedly fully booked.

In Ghatkopar’s Sagar Park society, a parallel scenario unfolded where BJP leader Kirit Somaiya arrived in response to protests against the proposed slaughter. Many residents, predominantly Hindus and Jains, expressed concerns that the slaughtering process could pose health risks to the community, leading them to seek support from BJP leaders and other Hindu organisations.

Escalation of Protests and Violence in Thane

The situation escalated in Thane the previous day when Muslim residents attempted to bring goats into a residential area for Bakri-Eid. Other residents cited community regulations and hygiene issues, leading to protests against the initiative. Although the temporary goat shed was removed swiftly, the goats remained, resulting in heightened tensions.

The conflict turned violent around midnight when members of right-wing groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, joined protesting residents outside the complex gates. A confrontation ensued after an individual approached the gathering, which quickly escalated into a physical altercation.

Reports indicate that during the scuffle, the individual allegedly brandished a sharp weapon, resulting in injuries to three people, including a local VHP representative, Nagnath Kamble, before being subdued and handed over to police authorities.

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