As the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, or Bakrid, nears, an incident in Navi Mumbai has raised concerns over religious sensitivity. Authorities have instructed the public to observe the festival with respect for all communities, but an offensive act has reportedly hurt Hindu sentiments.
The incident took place at the "Goodluck Goat Meat Shop" in the Central Business District of Belapur, owned by Muhammad Shafi. On June 15, members of a Hindu organization found a white goat with the word "Ram" inscribed in yellow on its back, indicating it was intended for sacrifice. The scene was captured on video by the Hindu group, and it has since gone viral on social media.
The footage depicts a confrontation between the shopkeeper and the Hindu group, which prompted the authorities to intervene. The goat was confiscated, and a case has been filed against Shafi. The store has been closed while further investigation is carried out.
Mumbai Police have confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. "Preliminary information indicates that a goat with 'Ram' written on it was placed for sale at Goodluck Mutton Shop in CBD Sector One, Navi Mumbai. Following the complaint, the shop owner has been detained," a police official stated.
Mumbai's CBD Belapur Police Station had received a complaint that the owner of a mutton shop in Mumbai had insulted Hindu deities. The Hindu organization Bajrang Dal, which filed the complaint, had said that this had hurt the sentiments of Hindus.
A case has been registered against three people in Mumbai, Maharashtra for inciting religious sentiments. The owner of a mutton shop was accused of writing 'Ram' on a goat. After the pictures surfaced, Hindu organizations had registered a case against the accused, after which the police has taken action and sealed the mutton shop.