New Delhi: A report released by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has alleged a sharp increase in anti-Muslim incidents across India in the weeks leading up to Eid al-Adha, documenting 46 cases of violence, intimidation, hate speech, harassment, and property attacks between May 11 and May 29.
According to the report, 30 incidents were directly linked to Bakra Eid and centred on issues such as animal sacrifice, cattle transportation, and Eid prayers. APCR stated that the pattern reflected growing hostility toward the public observance of Muslim religious practices.
The report recorded 32 cases of intimidation and harassment, six instances of hate speech, three physical assaults, three attacks on property, and two incidents resulting in deaths. APCR said the escalation began on May 11 when members of Bajrang Dal allegedly stopped vehicles in Hyderabad on suspicion of transporting cattle ahead of the festival.
The organisation noted a sharp rise in tensions during the final days before Eid. Between May 25 and May 29 alone, it documented 22 festival-related incidents. Three Muslim men lost their lives during this period. One reportedly died after alleged custodial torture in Gujarat following accusations of cow slaughter. Two others were allegedly lynched in Assam over claims of cattle theft.
APCR identified cow vigilantism as a recurring feature in many cases. The report cited incidents involving allegations of cattle smuggling, transportation, and slaughter, which led to assaults, public humiliation, and attacks on vehicles.
The organisation also alleged involvement of members of the BJP, Bajrang Dal, and Vishwa Hindu Parishad in campaigns opposing animal sacrifice and Eid prayers. It argued that administrative restrictions, political rhetoric, and organised protests in several states contributed to treating Muslim religious practices as a law-and-order issue.
APCR concluded that Bakra Eid emerged as a focal point for communal polarisation, with repeated incidents targeting Muslims during the festival period.
